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Life cycle assessment practices for PV technologies: Systematic literature review

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  • Patel, Zeena

Abstract

In response to the growing importance of sustainability in solar energy development, this study addresses critical gaps in the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to photovoltaic (PV) technologies. A systematic review of 48 recent LCA studies across first-, second-, and third-generation PV systems was conducted to evaluate current practices, identify methodological inconsistencies, and highlight emerging trends. Despite increasing research interest and technological diversification, substantial variability exists in the definition of functional units, system boundaries, and impact categories, which hinders comparability and reproducibility. The widespread reliance on secondary databases and the limited use of primary, site-specific data further constrains the accuracy of environmental impact assessments. Additionally, the underutilization of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and inconsistent application of sensitivity analyses reveal significant gaps in comprehensive sustainability evaluation. To advance the field, this study proposes standardization of LCA methodologies, improved data transparency, and expansion of impact categories beyond global warming potential to include toxicity and resource depletion. These measures are essential for enhancing the robustness, reliability, and policy relevance of PV LCA studies, thereby supporting sustainable innovation and deployment in the solar energy sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Patel, Zeena, 2025. "Life cycle assessment practices for PV technologies: Systematic literature review," Ilmenauer Schriften zur Betriebswirtschaftslehre, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Institut für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, volume 1, number 330174.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:tuisbw:330174
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/330174/1/1939327024.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olga Kanz & Angèle Reinders & Johanna May & Kaining Ding, 2020. "Environmental Impacts of Integrated Photovoltaic Modules in Light Utility Electric Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Vellini, Michela & Gambini, Marco & Prattella, Valentina, 2017. "Environmental impacts of PV technology throughout the life cycle: Importance of the end-of-life management for Si-panels and CdTe-panels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 1099-1111.
    3. Max Marwede & Armin Reller, 2014. "Estimation of Life Cycle Material Costs of Cadmium Telluride– and Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide–Photovoltaic Absorber Materials based on Life Cycle Material Flows," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 18(2), pages 254-267, April.
    4. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    5. Anna Furberg & Rickard Arvidsson & Sverker Molander, 2022. "A practice‐based framework for defining functional units in comparative life cycle assessments of materials," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(3), pages 718-730, June.
    6. Li, Qingxiang & Monticelli, Carol & Zanelli, Alessandra, 2022. "Life cycle assessment of organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells with graphene transparent electrodes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 906-917.
    7. Vincenzo Muteri & Maurizio Cellura & Domenico Curto & Vincenzo Franzitta & Sonia Longo & Marina Mistretta & Maria Laura Parisi, 2020. "Review on Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Panels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-38, January.
    8. Georgios Pallas & Martina G. Vijver & Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg & Jeroen Guinée, 2020. "Life cycle assessment of emerging technologies at the lab scale: The case of nanowire‐based solar cells," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 24(1), pages 193-204, February.
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