A new report from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) says PV module lifetime extensions should be prioritized over closed-loop recycling to reduce demand for new materials.
Researchers assessed the impact on new material demand with different module lifetimes from 15 to 50 years. They also examined closed-loop recycling, and assumed that the U.S. will have 1.75 terawatts of cumulative PV installed capacity by 2050.
Modules with 50-year lifetimes could reduce new material demand by 3% through lower deployment, compared to a 35-year baseline scenario. Fifteen-year modules would require an additional 1.2 TW of replacement modules, which would increase new material demand and waste unless over 95% of the module mass was closed-loop recycled.
To date, no PV technology has reached near the 95% level of closed-loop recycling for all component materials. Thus, manufacturing longer-lasting PVs is the more eco-friendly choice.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Jul 10, 2017
British Columbia receives its first WELL certified workplace courtesy of Perkins + Will
Over 100 wellness features are incorporated into CBRE’s Vancouver office.
Sustainability | Jun 29, 2017
The Dutch ‘Windwheel’ wants to create a new sustainable landmark for Rotterdam
The sustainable structure will be a mixed-use development with a hotel, apartments, and office space.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 29, 2017
Luxury, plant-covered hotel unveiled for site near the River Seine
Kengo Kuma is designing the hotel, which will feature a large garden and a plant-covered façade.
Sustainability | Jun 28, 2017
Mohawk College will have one of the region’s first net-zero energy institutional buildings
The project’s net-zero goals led to the development of a new curtain wall system.
Building Team | Jun 27, 2017
Bruner Foundation announces 2017 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence gold and silver medalists
The SteelStacks Arts and Cultural Campus in Bethlehem, Pa., receives the gold medal and $50,000.
Green | Jun 23, 2017
Want a healthy building? Follow this primer on two new wellness standards
Since its development in the 1990s, the LEED rating system has been applied to over 19.1 billion total commercial square feet.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2017
World Green Building Council: All buildings must be net zero by 2050 to avert 2°C rise
Building efficiency essential to tempering global climate change.
Green | Jun 16, 2017
Could this become London’s greenest building?
Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture wants to create a school powered by the River Thames.
Green | Jun 15, 2017
45-meter spiraling tower lets you walk above the trees
A 600-meter treetop path culminates with a 45-meter-tall spiraling observation deck.
Green | Jun 14, 2017
After Paris: What’s at stake for the building industry
In the wake of President Trump’s unilateral decision to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, many in the building industry have optimistically pointed to unstoppable market forces pushing the sector towards a post-carbon future.
