Unveiling the potential of perovskite solar systems in building integrated installations: A consequential and prospective life cycle assessment and economic analysis

Abstract

This paper addresses an integrated economic and environmental assessment where a consequential and prospective life cycle approach is applied to perovskite (PSK) building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Two configurations are considered: slanted roof (r-BIPV) installations, and the fenestration of façades (f-BIPV). Concerning r-BIPV, PSK systems are expected to compete with crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules; whereas a glass façade is chosen as an alternative reference for f-BIPV. Assuming economic rationality as the main criteria for the adoption of technologies, a deployment time for the PSK system is estimated and the economic and environmental advantages in the Italian context are evaluated. This assessment is based on three foreground scenarios addressing the gradual development of PSK systems. The results show that while c-Si modules are preferred in the market of r-BIPV systems, PSK modules will find space in f-BIPV applications. Depending on the selected scenario, the economic benefits accumulated by Italian energy users are assessed between −0.5 % and −10.3 %. On the other hand, PSK systems imply a variation of the national GHGs emissions that ranges between + 0.01 % and −7.5 %. Depending on the scenario, the PSK-based f-BIPV systems can provide either environmental benefits (i.e., cumulative energy demand) or burdens (i.e., ecotoxicity indicators).