Determining the sustainability of large-scale photovoltaic solar power plants

Abstract

This paper highlights an evaluation of the potential level and nature of sustainability for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants. This was achieved by applying a mathematical model of sustainability to the results of a qualitative-based environmental impact evaluation of the installation and operation of large-scale solar power plants.The results from the model application indicated that large-scale PV solar power plants were conducive to achieving strong sustainability. This was because of the significant environmental benefits derived from PV solar power plants in respect to its construction and operation, as well as the minimum impacts derived from anthropogenic sources. This paper however notes that PV solar technology requires significant improvements in the conversion of sunlight to electric energy. This paper concludes that PV solar power plants offer a potentially significant and sustainable source of energy.