Whitepapers

The Environmental Impact of Manufacturing Solar Photovoltaics (PV)

By Jordan Lindsay

Solar photovoltaics (PV) are pivotal in the shift to renewable energy, yet their manufacturing involves significant environmental impacts, especially due to high-purity silicon production. This white paper uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to identify key environmental hotspots in the solar PV supply chain and offers strategies for reducing embodied carbon. Discover how diversifying and decarbonising supply chains can enhance the sustainability of solar PV manufacturing, supporting global net-zero goals.

Download
img

The outline

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Manufacturing: Using LCA to Measure Environmental Impact

Gain insights into the environmental impacts of solar PV manufacturing and discover how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) identifies key environmental hotspots, particularly in silicon production. Understand the challenges of energy-intensive processes and embodied carbon emissions, especially in coal-dependent regions like China. This paper provides practical strategies for decarbonising solar PV supply chains, supporting manufacturers in meeting global net-zero targets. Equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions that enhance the sustainability of solar module production and align with evolving industry standards.

Library icon

This whitepaper is focused on manufacturing solar photovoltaics (PV).

Solar PV manufacturing's carbon footprint: Why silicon purification is a critical factor

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is recognized as a crucial player in the transition to renewable energy, but its production carries significant environmental costs. A key contributor to this carbon footprint is the energy-intensive silicon purification process. Silicon is the primary material used in solar cells, and refining it to the high purity required for solar-grade silicon demands vast amounts of energy. This white paper delves into the environmental implications of this process, revealing why it is one of the most carbon-heavy stages of solar PV manufacturing. By understanding the specifics, industry professionals can begin to address the sustainability challenges associated with silicon production, a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact of solar PV modules. Download the white paper to uncover strategies for mitigating these emissions.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Identifying climate impact hotspots in the solar PV supply chain

Solar PV modules have long been hailed for their low operational carbon emissions, but what about the environmental footprint during production? This white paper utilises a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to identify where the biggest environmental impacts occur throughout the solar PV supply chain. From raw material extraction to the final module, LCA pinpoints key climate impact "hotspots" that contribute most to a solar PV’s overall carbon footprint. The findings provide critical insights into the most environmentally burdensome stages of production, allowing manufacturers to make informed decisions on where to focus their sustainability efforts. To get a complete understanding of the LCA findings and how they apply to your business, download the full white paper.

Strategies to reduce environmental impact: From energy sources to supply chain optimisation

Reducing the carbon footprint of solar PV manufacturing is not only a necessity but also a strategic advantage in today’s decarbonizing market. The white paper presents targeted strategies for lowering the environmental impact, including optimizing the use of cleaner energy sources during production and enhancing supply chain efficiency. Switching to renewable energy in energy-intensive stages such as silicon purification can significantly reduce emissions. Moreover, efficient material sourcing and production techniques can further enhance sustainability. These approaches are essential for manufacturers looking to stay ahead of regulatory pressures and market demands for transparent, low-carbon solutions. Learn more about how to implement these impactful strategies by downloading the white paper.

Data-driven approaches to meet evolving environmental regulations

As governments introduce stricter regulations around carbon emissions, such as product carbon footprint (PCF) reporting and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, the need for data-driven supply chain management is more pressing than ever. Manufacturers must assess and mitigate their environmental impacts to stay compliant and competitive. This white paper provides insights into how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and data-driven analysis can help manufacturers align with these evolving regulations. By leveraging these tools, companies can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also enhance their market position by demonstrating sustainable practices to investors, consumers, and regulatory bodies. To learn how to future-proof your business with data-backed sustainability measures, download the full white paper.

The future of solar PV technology: Innovations and sustainability opportunities

As the solar industry continues to evolve, new innovations and sustainability practices are on the horizon. The white paper offers a forward-looking view of emerging technologies that have the potential to reduce the environmental burden of solar PV manufacturing. Advanced solar cell designs, such as multilayer and tandem cells, promise greater energy efficiency while lowering the carbon footprint. Additionally, improved recycling processes for solar PV materials can help reduce waste and promote a circular economy. With the solar industry poised for further growth, manufacturers must stay informed about these advancements to remain competitive and sustainable. For a deeper dive into these innovations and what they mean for the future of solar PV, download the white paper today.

download

Get access today

Fill in the form below

Download

download image