Title:	Potential Regulatory Approaches on the Environmental Impacts of Photovoltaics: Expected Improvements and Impacts on Technological Innovation
Author(s):	D. Polverini, N. Dodd, N. Espinosa
Keywords:	Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Environmental, Photovoltaic Technology, Impact, Ecodesign Directive
Topic:	Finance, Markets and Policies
Subtopic:	Policies and Scenarios for Renewables, Societal and Global Challenges
Event:	37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	7DO.8.1
Pages:	2014 - 2017
ISBN:	3-936338-73-6
Paper DOI:	10.4229/EUPVSEC20202020-7DO.8.1
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper, presentation

Abstract/Summary:

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This work assesses the interlinkages between environmental impacts, technological innovation and policy approaches for the case of photovoltaic products (modules, inverters and systems). The evaluation of the feasibility of applying four EU policy instruments (Ecodesign Directive, Energy Labelling, Green Public Procurement and the EU Ecolabel) to photovoltaic products led to the identification of key performance metrics and design features. Starting from an analysis of the environmental hotspots of photovoltaic products throughout the whole life cycle (from raw material extraction to their end of life and disposal), a number of areas of attention for innovation, and related policy approaches (by means, in particular, of requirements within the legal framework of the Ecodesign Directive), are identified and discussed. Quantified results (based in particular on the Gross Energy Requirement) highlight the environmental benefits that could be associated with specific designs and/or technological solutions.