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Sustainable PV Module Design—Review of State-of-the-Art Encapsulation Methods

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Katharina Schnatmann

    (Institute for Technical Energy Systems (ITES), Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany)

  • Fabian Schoden

    (Institute for Technical Energy Systems (ITES), Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany)

  • Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp

    (Institute for Technical Energy Systems (ITES), Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany)

Abstract

In times of climate change and increasing resource scarcity, the importance of sustainable renewable energy technologies is increasing. However, the photovoltaic (PV) industry is characterised by linear economy structures, energy-intensive production, downcycling and little sustainability. One starting point for sustainable technologies is offered by the circular economy with its circular design principles. One problematic aspect of the design of crystalline PV modules is the encapsulation. In particular, the encapsulation avoids high-value recycling or the remanufacturing of modules, which could close loops and extend the lifetime of the products. For this reason, this paper provides an overview of the current state of encapsulation methods regarding production, materials and recycling. In addition, the current state of sustainability research in the photovoltaic sector is presented using the VOSviewer tool. Furthermore, alternative encapsulation technologies are discussed and compared in terms of performance and sustainability. The current encapsulation method using ethylene vinyl acetate as the encapsulation material offers major disadvantages in terms of performance and recyclability. Alternatives are the thermoplastic material polyolefin and the alternative structure of the NICE technology. Overall, however, research should focus more on sustainability and recyclability. Alternative module structures will be a decisive factor in this context.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Katharina Schnatmann & Fabian Schoden & Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp, 2022. "Sustainable PV Module Design—Review of State-of-the-Art Encapsulation Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:16:p:9971-:d:886375
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Deng, Rong & Chang, Nathan L. & Ouyang, Zi & Chong, Chee Mun, 2019. "A techno-economic review of silicon photovoltaic module recycling," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 532-550.
    2. Nees Jan Eck & Ludo Waltman, 2010. "Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 84(2), pages 523-538, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mariusz Niekurzak & Wojciech Lewicki & Hasan Huseyin Coban & Agnieszka Brelik, 2023. "Conceptual Design of a Semi-Automatic Process Line for Recycling Photovoltaic Panels as a Way to Ecological Sustainable Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Aşkın, Asmin & Kılkış, Şiir & Akınoğlu, Bülent Gültekin, 2023. "Recycling photovoltaic modules within a circular economy approach and a snapshot for Türkiye," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 583-596.

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