A new report from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) says PV module lifetime extensions should be prioritized over closed-loop recycling to reduce demand for new materials.
Researchers assessed the impact on new material demand with different module lifetimes from 15 to 50 years. They also examined closed-loop recycling, and assumed that the U.S. will have 1.75 terawatts of cumulative PV installed capacity by 2050.
Modules with 50-year lifetimes could reduce new material demand by 3% through lower deployment, compared to a 35-year baseline scenario. Fifteen-year modules would require an additional 1.2 TW of replacement modules, which would increase new material demand and waste unless over 95% of the module mass was closed-loop recycled.
To date, no PV technology has reached near the 95% level of closed-loop recycling for all component materials. Thus, manufacturing longer-lasting PVs is the more eco-friendly choice.
Related Stories
Green | Jan 28, 2019
This is the country’s greenest academic building
Perkins+Will designed the building.
Green | Nov 15, 2018
USGBC launches LEED Zero, to address net zero carbon operations and resources in LEED green building projects
LEED Zero complements LEED to verify the achievement of net zero goals and signals market leadership in green buildings.
Green | Oct 17, 2018
USGBC survey suggests employees are happier, healthier, and more productive in LEED green buildings
Can healthier, more sustainable buildings give employers a hiring edge to attract best in class talent?
Green | Oct 15, 2018
Green, and then some: Architecture firms are helping cities raise the stakes in green design
Architecture firms are answering the call of local governments and institutional clients for higher standards in green building design.
Green | Sep 11, 2018
Chicago becomes seventh city in the world to achieve LEED for Cities Platinum certification
It is the highest level of certification available from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Green | Aug 28, 2018
Chattanooga’s Miller Park set to open after $10.3 million overhaul
Spackman Mossop Michaels and Eskew Dumez Ripple partnered on the project.
Green | Aug 16, 2018
Vertical gardens: Wellness oases in the urban jungle
When there’s only so much real estate available in urban centers for parks, how’s a developer to bring in more green with biophilic design?
Green | Aug 15, 2018
What if your neighborhood could make you healthier?
The WELL Community Standard equips planners to build health promotion into the very fabric of neighborhoods.
Green | Jul 26, 2018
St. Paul aims for zero carbon in all buildings by 2050
The city is working for better efficiency and sourcing green power to reach its goal.
Green | Jul 26, 2018
DOE releases updated version of Better Buildings Financing Navigator
Version 2.0 provides renewable energy financing options, sector-specific and location-specific financing resources, and a smart database of financing providers.