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Production of PV Modules

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Sustainable Solar Electricity

Part of the book series: Green Energy and Technology ((GREEN))

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Abstract

The manufacturing processes of the different photovoltaic technologies are presented in this chapter: Crystalline silicon solar cells (both mono- and multi-crystalline), including silicon purification and crystallization processes; thin film solar cells (amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, chalcopyrites and kesterites); III-V solar cells, and emerging solar cells (organic, dye-sensitized, perovskites and others). The fabrication steps from cells to modules are also presented. The broad range of industrial processes are analysed with the aim to facilitate the compilation of life cycle inventories in the manufacturing phase of a broader life cycle assessment, including the use of materials that are embedded in the final cells and modules, the use of substances that are used in the manufacturing process and importantly, the energy consumption of every process. The challenges for an increased sustainability of all manufacturing steps of well established commercial technologies and emerging technologies are discussed from the point of view of the efficient use of materials, improved processes and recovery and reuse of substances in the manufacturing lines.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Efficiency charts published and updated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, USA.

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Urbina, A. (2022). Production of PV Modules. In: Sustainable Solar Electricity. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91771-5_4

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