Is the photovoltaic industry advancing towards a circular economy?

The photovoltaic (PV) industry is advancing towards a circular economy (CE), emphasizing the crucial role of sustainability in PV technology. This progression entails adopting practices that extend the lifespan of PV modules, motivated by a commitment to CE principles and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

What are the circular economy principles for solar photovoltaics?

Circular economy principles for solar photovoltaics In addition to delivering electricity to the grid, solar energy generation is expected to play a critical role in achieving deep electricity decarbonization and support economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions through electrification of other sectors.

How can solar PV manufacturers achieve circularity?

Another pathway to enable circularity for solar PV manufacturers is voluntary labeling procedures that provide transparency into module composition, justify hazardous waste classifications, and/or document overall carbon intensity , , , , , .

Can a circular economy lead to more sustainable solar technologies?

Also, it continues to grow a body of literature mapping policy approaches to increasing circularity of PV and leads the International Energy Agency's Technology Collaboration Programme on PV Sustainability, where several of the below publications and others can be found. Improving circular economy can lead to more sustainable solar technologies.

How can solar PV value chain partners achieve circularity benefits?

Many possible actions exist that solar PV value chain partners can take now to realize circularity benefits, such as improved resource use efficiency and waste reduction. PV module design, maintenance, lifetime extension, repair, reuse, and recycling are all active areas of circularity research.

What is PV in the circular economy tool?

The PV in the Circular Economy Tool dynamically models both materials demands and end-of-life materials for PV installations over time and can evaluate trade-offs among circular economy pathways. NREL has also applied new analytical approaches to consider social factors in better mapping future PV circular economy pathways.