Abstract
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.
Highlights
perovskite solar cells (PSCs) allows us to differentiate two clusters, in one of them, the most numerous, derived from the present system of energy environmental impacts are in a similar range to other thin film PVs
In the case of PSCs, devices based on perovskite are produced via a relatively simple process, it becomes necessary to verify that impacts generated during their whole life cycle are acceptable
The low PSCs with data at laboratory scale are in a similar range to CdTe and CIGS for Energy payback time (EPBT) (0.66 years), global warming potential (GWP) (448 kg CO2eq kWpÀ1), and cumulative energy demand (CED) (8681 MJ kWpÀ1)
Summary
PSCs allows us to differentiate two clusters, in one of them, the most numerous, derived from the present system of energy 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 production. Current production costs could be reduced if barrier foils and transparent conductive oxide coated plastics can be found. This cost could be competitive selling into niche markets. Earth receives from the sun %432 EJ in 1 h, out of which 18 EJ advantage of this technology in a large production scenario is that per hour are reflected off from the surface and lost into space.[1] it can be entirely produced with relatively abundant materials.[7]
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