Environmental impacts of solar photovoltaic systems: A critical review of recent progress and future outlook

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are regarded as clean and sustainable sources of energy. Although the operation of PV systems exhibits minimal pollution during their lifetime, the probable environmental impacts of such systems from manufacturing until disposal cannot be ignored. The production of hazardous contaminates, water resources pollution, and emissions of air pollutants during the manufacturing process as well as the impact of PV installations on land use are important environmental factors to consider. The present study aims at developing a comprehensive analysis of all possible environmental challenges aswell as presenting novel design proposals to mitigate and solve the aforementioned environmental problems. The emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) from various PV systems were also explored and compared with fossil fuel energy resources. The results revealed that the negative environmental impacts of PV systems could be substantially mitigated using optimized design, development of novel materials, minimize the use of hazardousmaterials, recyclingwhenever possible, and careful site selection. Such mitigation actions will reduce the emissions of GHG to the environment, decrease the accumulation of solid wastes, and preserve valuable water resources. The carbon footprint emission from PV systems was found to be in the range of 14-73 g CO2-eq/kWh, which is 10 to 53 orders of magnitude lower than emission reported from the burning of oil (742 g CO2-eq/kWh from oil). It was concluded that the carbon footprint of the PV system could be decreased further by one order of magnitude using novel manufacturing materials. Recycling solar cell materials can also contribute up to a 42% reduction in GHG emissions. The present study offers a valuable management strategy that can be used to improve the sustainability of PVmanufacturing processes, improve its economic value, and mitigate its negative impacts on the environment. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Photovoltaic systems are considered clean and sustainable energy sources, but their manufacturing and disposal processes may have negative environmental impacts. By optimizing design, developing new materials, reducing hazardous material use, recycling, and careful site selection, these impacts can be mitigated. Emissions from PV systems are significantly lower than those from fossil fuel energy resources, and further reduction can be achieved through novel manufacturing materials and recycling efforts.