The value of stability in photovoltaics
Peters IM, Brabec C, Sinha P, Hauch J (2021)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2021
Journal
Book Volume: 5
Pages Range: 3137-3153
Journal Issue: 12
DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2021.10.019
Abstract
Warranties for photovoltaic modules last 25 years. The same duration is frequently used when predicting economic performance. Yet, many modules still produce more than 80% of their original power after 25 years, and there is no economic reason to retire them. Here, we adopt a different mindset: photovoltaic installations are operated indefinitely with maintenance at regular intervals. We reflect this view in a steady-state economic model. We find that in this view, maintenance gains in value -33% compared with a 30-year lifetime-and time constraints for maintenance are lifted. We also find that stability becomes even more important. Reducing annual degradation from 0.5% to 0.2% entails a 12 ct/Watt cost entitlement, increases the economically useful lifetime by a factor of 1.69, defers end of life by decades, and reduces resources and infrastructure needed for recycling by 40%. We foresee that modules installed today should ideally be operated for 50 years.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg für Erneuerbare Energien (HI-ERN)
Germany (DE)
First Solar
United States (USA) (US)
Germany (DE)
First Solar
United States (USA) (US)
How to cite
APA:
Peters, I.M., Brabec, C., Sinha, P., & Hauch, J. (2021). The value of stability in photovoltaics. Joule, 5(12), 3137-3153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2021.10.019
MLA:
Peters, Ian Marius, et al. "The value of stability in photovoltaics." Joule 5.12 (2021): 3137-3153.
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