Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi in Himachal Pradesh found that Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) technology has the least environmental impact among solar cell technologies in India. CdTe technology has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions, ozone depletion potential, human health effects, and particulate air pollution, making it the most sustainable option for solar energy production in the country.
The study assessed five solar cell technologies: mono-silicon, polysilicon, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS), Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC), and CdTe using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool. The research team evaluated these technologies based on eighteen environmental impact categories, from global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion to human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity and fine particulate matter formation. The analysis covered the entire life cycle of the technologies, from raw material extraction to manufacturing.
Dr. Atul Dhar, an associate professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at IIT Mandi and one of the study’s authors, emphasized the importance of understanding the environmental impacts of solar PV systems. While solar PV systems are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels during their operational phase, they still have significant environmental impacts during manufacturing and usage. The Life Cycle Assessment helps identify the most sustainable options that balance economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, an associate professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and study co-author, emphasized that the findings could guide policymakers in promoting sustainable technologies to support the growth of a low-carbon economy and reduce the environmental impact of solar energy production. However, the researchers acknowledged that their study only examined a portion of the solar technology life cycle, excluding the recycling and end-of-life phases, which encompass use, disposal, and recycling of the products. These aspects will be investigated in future research.
The study’s results are relevant in the context of India’s clean energy advancements between 2010 and 2020, driven by initiatives like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. Despite progress, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the solar supply chain, delaying projects worth INR 160 billion. After the COP26 summit, India’s focus shifted towards green solar manufacturing to enhance supply chain reliability, energy security, and decarbonization, aligning with United Nations clean energy goals.
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The research team, led by Dr. Dhar and Dr. Powar, conducted a detailed analysis using the Life Cycle Assessment tool under Indian manufacturing conditions. This included evaluating environmental impacts from raw material extraction to panel manufacturing. Their findings indicate that CdTe technology is the most environmentally friendly, with CIGS cells following closely.
The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, provides crucial insights for investors and policymakers. Dr. Dhar noted that while solar PV systems are cleaner than fossil fuels during operation, they still have significant environmental impacts during manufacturing. The research underscores the need to consider these impacts when promoting solar energy technologies.
Dr. Powar emphasized the study’s potential to guide policymakers in promoting sustainable solar technologies, supporting a low-carbon economy. The researchers plan to investigate solar panel recycling and end-of-life phases in future studies.
India’s clean energy sector has grown due to initiatives like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted solar projects and delayed investments. In response, India is focusing on improving green solar manufacturing for supply chain reliability and energy security.
The study by IIT Mandi researchers provides an environmental analysis of solar PV technologies in the Indian market. It identifies CdTe as the most sustainable technology, offering guidance for policymakers and investors promoting environmentally friendly solar energy solutions. The findings emphasize the need for research into the recycling and end-of-life phases of solar technologies to reduce their environmental impact.
