| Title |
A Circularity Assessment for Silicon Solar Panels Based on Dynamic Material Flow Analysis |
| ID_Doc |
25848 |
| Authors |
Khalifa, SA; Mastrorocco, BV; Au, DD; Barnes, TM; Carpenter, AC; Baxter, JB |
| Title |
A Circularity Assessment for Silicon Solar Panels Based on Dynamic Material Flow Analysis |
| Year |
2021 |
| Published |
|
| DOI |
10.1109/PVSC43889.2021.9519117 |
| 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. |
| Author Keywords |
Circular economy; waste management; dynamic material flow analysis; crystalline silicon photovoltaics |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (CPCI-S) |
| EID |
WOS:000701690400127 |
| WoS Category |
Energy & Fuels; Engineering, Electrical & Electronic; Physics, Applied |
| Research Area |
Energy & Fuels; Engineering; Physics |
| PDF |
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