Evaluation of environmental impacts of solar pv systems withconceptual life cycle assessment and recycling of endof- life pv panels

Abstract

Although numerous dialogues on the recycling processes of PV panels have been in the limelight, their progress has been slow due to the lack of institutional support and the lack of robust legislation within countries. Given the slow progress in PV recycling, this thesis attempts to analyse the evaluation of the environmental impacts of solar PV systems with conceptual life cycle assessment and recycling of end-of-life PV panels. This thesis will be based on the reflective analysis of information mainly gathered through a comparison study of secondary journal articles and an inventory of carbon and energy. This analysis focuses on the carbon emissions associated with various phases of a solar PV system, including manufacturing, transportation, installation, and operation. By using embodied carbon coefficients, the study quantifies the CO2 intensity (kgCO2/kWh) for each phase and reveals valuable insights into their environmental impact. The findings highlight the significance of optimising the installation process and exploring greener transportation alternatives to reduce the system's carbon footprint. The study also emphasises the importance of implementing effective end-of-life management strategies, promoting material recovery, and reducing demand for new materials to achieve overall embodied carbon emission reductions. To address the growing concern of solar PV panel waste, the establishment of a comprehensive framework for PV end-of-life management in Sri Lanka is essential. Creating accountability through collective responsibility, government support, and producer involvement is crucial to promoting recycling and ensuring sustainable practices. Financial support from the government is vital to encourage recycling initiatives, and establishing provincial collection points can further facilitate the recycling process.