Life Cycle Evaluation of Next-Generation Photovoltaic Systems with Emphasis on Material Flows and Circular Economy

This study presents a comprehensive life cycle evaluation of next-generation photovoltaic (PV) systems, with particular emphasis on material flows, environmental impacts, and their alignment with circular economy principles. The analysis compares mono-crystalline silicon and perovskite photovoltaic technologies, assessing the environmental burdens associated with the production, operation, and end-of-life management of their materials, components, and structural elements. Environmental performance was quantified using the ReCiPe 2016 method for human health, ecosystem quality, and resource depletion, supplemented by the IPCC approach to evaluate life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.

The results indicate that manufacturing and end-of-life stages are the most environmentally intensive phases of both PV technologies, primarily due to high energy requirements and the use of resource-intensive materials. Mono-Si modules were identified as the dominant contributors to overall environmental impacts, whereas perovskite-based systems exhibited notably lower burdens, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and diminished pressures on mineral and fossil resources.

Two end-of-life scenarios—landfill and recycling—were evaluated, demonstrating that recycling significantly reduces total environmental impacts and improves material recovery efficiency. These findings confirm the importance of circular design strategies, resource-efficient manufacturing, and advanced recycling technologies in enhancing the sustainability of emerging photovoltaic systems. The study provides valuable insights to support the development of cleaner, more resilient PV solutions that align with long-term circular-economy goals.