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DOE OSTI · 1824298

A Circularity Assessment for Silicon Solar Panels Based on Dynamic Material Flow Analysis

Khalifa, Sherif A.·Mastrorocco, Benjamin V.·Au, Dylan D.·Barnes, Teresa M.·Carpenter, Alberta C. (ORCID:0000000170953681)·Baxter, Jason B.
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Abstract

This paper examines the impacts of design, operational, and end-of-life (EOL) waste pathways’ parameters on material circularity in silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. Dynamic material flow analysis (DMFA) quantifies time-series material flows through systems’ life cycle stages to identify hotspots of waste generation, estimate resource needs in the future, and guide sustainable material management. We introduce a DMFA framework based on U.S. electricity demand for the period 2000-2100 to assess stocks and flows of bulk PV materials (i.e., solar glass and aluminum frames). We apply the model to a range of scenarios to understand how material demands depend on selected PV-related parameters, different material circularity strategies, and recent module design trends (e.g., bifacials, large-format-high power modules). Our results enable advanced planning for future materials needs and provide insight into potential opportunities to minimize material waste.

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circular economycrystalline silicon photovoltaicsdynamic material flow analysisENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,SOLAR ENERGYwaste management

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Khalifa, Sherif A., Mastrorocco, Benjamin V., Au, Dylan D., Barnes, Teresa M., Carpenter, Alberta C. (ORCID:0000000170953681), Baxter, Jason B.. 2021-08-26. A Circularity Assessment for Silicon Solar Panels Based on Dynamic Material Flow Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1109/pvsc43889.2021.9519117

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