Technology

The ITE is analysing the lifecycle of four models of photovoltaic solar panels of different technologies (amorphous silicon, monocrystalline, polycrystalline and CIS) to determine the amount of energy each consumes during each stage of their useful life and explore the possibility of recycling the glass, aluminium and semiconductors that make them up separately.

This project will provide a comparison of the amount of energy required during the production, distribution, maintenance and decommissioning of each of the photovoltaic panels studied. The energy payback time of each module, i.e. the time taken to generate the energy used in its manufacture, will also be calculated. To do this, the amount of energy each panel produces will be calculated along with the effect of the panel’s degradation. Finally, the research team will provide details of current techniques for reusing obsolete components and will define guidelines for the correct management of any sub-products that are generated.

According to its proponents, this project “is a first in Spain” and is being conducted along the same lines as other studies such as those being performed in European countries like Germany and Holland. The project leader, Lydia Gomez, has said that the research “will allow us to open up a niche in the market for reusing photovoltaic panels at the end of their useful life, which is expected to be reached within a few years”.

For additional information:
www.ite.es