| 19 September 2010
Researchers from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York have conducted a life-cycle assessment of organic solar cells to better understand the energy as well as the environmental benefits and detriments of solar power.
"This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of how much energy it takes to manufacture an organic solar cell, which has a significant impact on both the cost and environmental impact of the technology," said Brian Landi, a faculty advisor on the project.
The study sought to calculate the total energy use and environmental impact of the material collection, fabrication, mass production and use of organic solar cells through a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of the technology.
Annick Anctil conducts experiments on different varieties of solar cells.
Anctil conducted one of the first life-cycle assessments of organic solar cells
According to lead researcher Annick Anctil, previous life-cycle assessments didn’t include a component breakdown of the individual materials used for organic solar cells or calculate the device’s total energy payback—the energy produced from the device versus the energy needed to manufacture it.
The researchers found that energy payback time for organic solar cells was lower that that of inorganic cells. However, more studies are needed to verify device stability.
"The data produced will help designers and potential manufacturers better assess how to use and improve the technology and analyze its feasibility versus other solar and alternative-energy technologies," Landi said.
The team presented the results at the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers 2010 Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. Anctil, who won a student award at the conference for best research, hopes to further analyze the environmental impacts of solar cell development with additional life-cycle assessments of other types of solar cell technology. The study was funded by the Department of Energy.
Written by Nancy Lamontagne, Contributing Editor - US
