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
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 14, 2016
Soccer stadium from Zaha Hadid Architects will be constructed almost entirely of wood
The architects say the project will be the greenest soccer stadium in the world once completed.
![Applying modern energy codes to building envelope retrofits [AIA course]](/sites/default/files/styles/list_big/public/OPENERHoffmann9.jpg?itok=uE70VdED "Applying modern energy codes to building envelope retrofits [AIA course]")
Green | Oct 27, 2016
Applying modern energy codes to building envelope retrofits [AIA course]
When applying current energy codes to existing buildings, a number of issues arise, particularly where the building exterior is concerned, writes Hoffmann Architects' Bradley Carmichael. This AIA CES Discovery course is worth 1.0 AIA CES HSW learning unit.
Green | Oct 12, 2016
Acting as a giant air purifier, this tower could help solve China’s pollution problem
The 23-ft tall tower operates almost entirely on wind energy.
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016
New sustainable landscape development and management credential launched
GBCI offered the first testing opportunity Oct. 3 at Greenbuild
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
Obama administration will spend $80 million for smart cities initiatives
The technology is targeted for climate, transportation, resiliency.
Lighting | Oct 6, 2016
Healthcare systems lighting their way to savings
There has been a rapid improvement and availability of LED products as primary light sources in most healthcare facility applications.
Green | Oct 6, 2016
AIA Report: Mixed results in design projects meeting 2030 Commitment targets
More buildings are meeting certain goals, but energy intensity reduction results have flat lined
Green | Oct 6, 2016
GBCI announces arc, a new technology organization to measure and compare green building performance
Arc is a platform that will allow any building to participate and immediately start measuring performance, make improvements, and benchmark against itself.
Green | Oct 4, 2016
The Clear Orb is one of the shortlisted projects for 2016 Land Art Generator Initiative
Designed by Heerim Architects & Planners, The Clear Orb would produce just under 600 million gallons of clean water annually.
