Long-lifetime and optimised use of materials in recyclable Ag and In-free Si PV modules (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Expected Outcome

Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are one of the cheapest and fastest growing sources of electricity generation, largely thanks to an important decrease in the cost of solar modules in the last 10-15 years and to their simple installation. There is no PV lifetime definition, but manufacturers usually guarantee a 25-year lifetime with an expected degradation rate of 0.8% per year. Meanwhile, a surge in the number of end-of-life (EOL) PV modules is expected, of which crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV is the main type. It would therefore be beneficial to improve the eco-design and sustainability of silicon-based solar cells and modules, by reducing the use of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), revalorising the use of recycled silicon waste, adopting recyclable/repairable module designs and extending their lifetime without compromising their reliability and durability.

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

1. Ultra-low carbon footprint and reduced environmental impact PV cells/modules through lifetime extension, Ag or In free, and with designs that allow recyclability and repairability;
2. Support a European economic base which is stronger, more resilient, competitive, and fit for the green and digital transitions, by reducing strategic dependencies for critical raw materials and components;
3. Support the execution of the solar energy joint research and innovation agenda.

Scope

Proposals are expected to:

• Extend module lifetime up to 40 years with extreme weather resilience;
• Develop cell/module architectures/designs including recycled content, without In or Ag and without harmful substances (Pb, F, etc.) but without compromising their quality and reliability;
• Develop module designs with improved recyclability and repairability;
• Develop adapted testing methodologies and recycling standards;
• Provide technical solutions for PV module repair in the field to extend lifetime;
• Determine the environmental benefits of recycling precious metals.

This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs.

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 5 by the end of the project - see General Annex B. Activities may start at any TRL.