Open AccessComparison of Perovskite Solar Cells with other Photovoltaics Technologies from the Point of View of Life Cycle Assessment
Author(s) -
Vidal Rosario,
AlberolaBorràs JaumeAdrià,
SánchezPantoja Núria,
MoraSeró Iván
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced energy and sustainability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2699-9412
DOI - 10.1002/aesr.202000088
Subject(s) - photovoltaics , photovoltaic system , life cycle assessment , perovskite (structure) , sustainability , flexibility (engineering) , materials science , process engineering , nanotechnology , scale (ratio) , environmental science , production (economics) , environmental economics , electrical engineering , engineering , ecology , statistics , mathematics , chemical engineering , biology , economics , macroeconomics , physics , quantum mechanics
A review of the life cycle sustainability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is presented, distinguishing results between simulated laboratory‐based and simulated industrial‐based PSCs, comparing this technology with the commercial photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Laboratory‐based perovskites are seriously affected by the unrealistic energy consumption of the deposition routes. Moreover, other hot spots such as lead and solvent toxicity are much less relevant. A cluster analysis of single‐junction PSCs allows us to differentiate two clusters, in one of them, the most numerous, environmental impacts are in a similar range to other thin film PVs. Despite more progress at the industrial scale being needed, the current studies point out the promising results in terms of energy payback time and the environmental impacts at the industrial‐scale, that are the lowest compared with commercial PVs, if 1 kWp is used as the functional unit. In addition, PSCs present less supply risk than other photovoltaic technologies. Only cesium, which is dispensable, can present a specific risk. Current production costs could be reduced if barrier foils and transparent conductive oxide coated plastics can be found. However, this cost could be competitive selling into niche markets. In addition, their lightness, flexibility and ease of integration give them very advantageous qualities for social acceptance.