Strategies for enhancing the commercial viability of CdTe-based photovoltaics

Abstract

Environmental, health and safety (EH&S) issues related to the handling and disposal of end-of-life thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) modules were examined to determine their potential impacts on the commercialization of this new product. An assessment of existing EH&S data on CdTe PV products revealed the need for additional testing, the need for quantitative surveys of existing customer opinions, the value of appropriate positive comparisons, and the potential advantages of collection and recycling programs. A survey of the PV industry and selected customers indicated that prospective users were not overly concerned about EH&S issues; that they identified Cd content as a key issue when explaining any concerns they did have; and, that they are willing to purchase CdTe PV modules if the price and performance are competitive, if CdTe PV technology is endorsed by users like themselves, and, if there exists a convenient method of handling end-of-life modules. An analysis of public acceptance strategies of industries facing comparable EHS issues revealed that public relations, regulations, and/or commercial necessity may justify collection and recycling programs for end-of-life CdTe modules. Estimates of the economics of reclaiming CdTe PV modules indicated costs of $0.15–0.25/Wp due, in large part, to the collection and processing expenses. Key strategy recommendations include additional testing to clearly establish EH&S hazards for CdTe-based compounds, programs to educate customers and the public on the nature of these compounds, and further exploration of alternative end-of-life module collection and recycling options.