Cu(InGa)Se2 THIN-FILM SOLAR CELLS: COMPARATIVE LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS OF BUFFER LAYERS
نویسندگان
چکیده
A motivation for replacing the current CdS buffer layer in CIGS PV is to avoid potential environmentaland humanhealth risks related to cadmium compounds. However, to gain a full perspective, such risks should be evaluated throughout the entire life cycle of the CdS, and also of alternative buffer layers. Based on data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Global Solar Energy, we examined the life-cycle Cd emissions during materials production and the deposition processes for CdS and ZnS buffers. We found that the Cd emissions from the buffer layers are minimal compared to the upstream emissions from fossil-fuel-based electricity that the electricity generated from CIGS PV will replace. Accordingly, assuring a higher efficiency of CIGS PV is the best strategy to minimize Cd emissions to the environment In addition, the production of ZnS (and InS) entails some Cd emissions as Cd is present in Zn ores. Based on the current efficiencies of alternative cell designs, CIGS/CdS will create a smaller amount of net Cd emissions than the CIGS/ZnS or CIGS/InS-based alternatives.
منابع مشابه
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