Eco-design of photovoltaic panels
A brief overview of the environmental benefits and challenges of solar energy
Introduction
Photovoltaic (PV) panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are widely used as a clean, renewable source of energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
However, PV panels also have an environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from raw material extraction through to manufacturing, installation, operation and end-of-life disposal. It is therefore important to apply eco-design principles to PV panels; these principles aim to minimise environmental impacts and maximise the resource efficiency of products and services.
Eco-design strategies for photovoltaic panels
Eco-design can help reduce the environmental impact of photovoltaic panels through a range of strategies, such as:
Improving the energy efficiency and durability
of photovoltaic panels, which can reduce energy demand and waste generation.
Using renewable or recycled materials
which can reduce resource consumption and the emissions associated with extracting and processing materials.
Optimising the design
of photovoltaic panels, which makes it possible to reduce the quantity of materials used and installation costs.
Implementing environmentally sound, well-considered manufacturing processes
which can reduce energy use, water use and emissions during the production phase.
Facilitating maintenance, repair, reuse and recycling
of photovoltaic panels, which can extend their service life and reduce the need for new panels. This strategy involves designing photovoltaic panels that are easy to dismantle, repair and replace, and setting up collection and recycling systems that recover valuable materials and components from discarded panels. The reuse and recycling of photovoltaic panels can reduce the environmental impact of the end-of-life stage, as well as the demand for new materials and for energy in the production phase.
Benefits and challenges of eco-design for photovoltaic panels
Reducing environmental impacts
Improving economic performance
Strengthening social acceptance
A lack of data and tools
The absence of standards and regulations
A lack of awareness and education
Conclusion
Photovoltaic panels are a promising technology for the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy system. However, they also have environmental impacts that must be taken into account by applying eco-design principles.
Eco-design can help improve the environmental performance, economic viability and social acceptance of photovoltaic panels by applying a range of strategies throughout their life cycle.
However, eco-design also faces a number of challenges that call for further research, innovation and collaboration between stakeholders.
Research project
Run between 2021 and 2024 by 13 European partners, PHOTORAMA aimed to develop innovative solutions for recycling end-of-life photovoltaic panels. The project demonstrated the feasibility of new technologies for recovering and reusing materials from panels, thereby contributing to a more circular and sustainable photovoltaic industry.
Deliverable
As part of this project, a first simulator was developed to support photovoltaic industry stakeholders in their eco-design initiatives. This tool makes it possible to assess the recyclability rate of a photovoltaic panel.
True to its commitment to continuous improvement, Soren is now making available an enhanced and optimised version of this simulator, offering new features and an improved user experience.
Discover Ecodesign.Solar now, the platform dedicated to the eco-design of photovoltaic panels, and explore concrete solutions for designing tomorrow’s modules more sustainably.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 958223.
Soren takes part in several European research projects
