IEA PVPS Task 12: Photovoltaics Sustainability (working period 2018 - 2021)

The aim of IEA PVPS Task 12 is to foster international collaboration in the area of photovoltaics and environment. That includes compiling and disseminating accurate information on environment, health, safety, and other aspects of sustainability associated with the life-cycle of photovoltaics. Results are guidelines and data basis in order to harmonize LCAs and studies on future environmental impacts of PV and PV recycling. The Austrian contribution addresses LCA and implementation of sustainability aspects.

Short Description

The aim of IEA PVPS Task 12 is to foster international collaboration in the area of photovoltaics and environment. That includes compiling and disseminating accurate Information on environment, health, safety, and other aspects of sustainability associated with the life-cycle of photovoltaics.
The basis is developed in the following 3 subtasks:

Subtask 1: End of Life PV-Systems,
Subtask 2: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA),
Subtask 3: Other sustainability topics.

Since 2013 Austria is represented by the Competence Field (former Institute of Renewable Energy Systems) at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Vienna.

The contribution to Subtask 1 and 3 in Dissemination is the experts' input in several publications of Task 12 and task members (e. g. inquiries, reviews) as well as networking and presentation of results and activities on related Austrian platforms and committees.

In Subtask 2 – LCA – a LCI/LCAs on innovative technologies, flexible modules produced in Austria, was conducted. For this purpose, primary data from production at the production site were collected. The guidelines for LCA of PV developed in Subtask 2 were the basis of the work.

Subtask 2 is providing guidelines to harmonize LCAs and ensure their transparency and quality. The lack of data is often the major obstacle. Therefore the „Life Cycle Inventories and Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Systems" from 2013 was updated once more.

Sound data and assumptions for production and operation of modules made from mono- and polycrystalline silicon, cadmium-telluride and CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, sulfur, selenium) and high concentrating systems with II/V multi-junction solar cells are now available. The review was conducted by all Task 12 experts.

Various national and international surveys on environmental impacts of different recycling methods could provide support for the future planning of PV recycling (infrastructure).

Publications

Publications are available on the website of IEA PVPS Task 12.

Participants

Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, USA

Contact Address

Mag.^a Dr.ⁱⁿ Susanne Schidler
Technikum Wien GmbH
Kompetenzfeld Renewable Energy Systems
Giefinggasse 6, 1220 Wien
Email: susanne.schidler@technikum-wien.at
Tel: +43(0)1 3334077-575
Mobil: +43(0)664 6192557