IIT Mandi Researchers Conduct Life Cycle Assessment Of Solar Cell Technologies

The researchers from IIT Mandi have performed a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of five solar cell technologies to identify the most sustainable and profitable options for solar energy production in India. The research addresses the critical need for efficient and environmentally friendly solar power systems tailored to Indian conditions. 

This pioneering study, co-authored by Dr. Atul Dhar and Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, Associate Professors in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, along with Dr. Shweta Singh, has been published in the prestigious Journal of Environmental Management.  The study offers valuable insights for investors and policymakers to improve the environmental performance of solar technologies in India.

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Between 2010 and 2020, India advanced in clean energy to meet its Paris and Copenhagen commitments, driven by initiatives such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. However, COVID-19 disrupted the solar supply chain, delaying INR 160 billion worth of projects. Post-COP-26, India’s focus shifted to green solar manufacturing to enhance supply chain reliability, energy security, and decarbonization, aligning with UN clean energy goals.

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of various solar technologies is crucial for establishing effective solar power systems in India. While numerous studies have been conducted globally, most have evaluated impact categories such as Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Energy Payback Time (EPBT). Other critical impact categories, such as human toxicity and ozone depletion, are often overlooked, and not many studies have assessed these technologies under Indian conditions.

Highlighting the importance of the study, Dr. Atul Dhar, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, said, “Our study provides a detailed environmental analysis of dominant solar PV technologies in the Indian market. Although solar PV systems are environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels during their operational phase, they do have significant environmental impacts during the manufacturing and usage phases.”

The researchers evaluated the environmental impacts of the five solar energy technologies using Indian manufacturing conditions, including:

• Mono-silicon
• Polysilicon
• Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)
• Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
• Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC)

The research team performed a cradle-to-gate analysis using the Life Cycle Assessment tool, which included eighteen environmental impact categories. These categories covered essential aspects such as global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity, and fine particulate matter formation, from raw material extraction to solar panel manufacturing.

The researchers found that CdTe technology exhibited the lowest environmental impact among the five technologies studied. It had the least carbon dioxide emissions, ozone depletion potential, human health effects, and particulate air pollution. This was closely followed by CIGS PV cells.

Speaking about the implications of this research, Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, said, “The Life Cycle Assessment of solar module technologies can help identify the most sustainable technology that balances economic, social, and environmental benefits. Our findings can guide policymakers to promote the most sustainable technologies, boosting the low-carbon economy and reducing the environmental impact of solar energy production.”

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Moreover, the researchers acknowledged that their study only examined a portion of the solar technology life cycle, excluding the recycling and end-of-life phases, which encompass the use, disposal, and recycling of the products. They plan to investigate these phases in future research.