PV power systems and the environment: results of an expert workshop

Photovoltaic (PV) power systems can lead to significant reduction of emissions to the environment. Contrary to conventional fossil fuel-based electricity production, the environmental aspects of PV power systems are mostly related to indirect processes such as cell and module manufacturing and ‘end of life’ waste management. Careful assessment of such environmental aspects throughout all life-cycle stages is required to reveal the contribution that PV power systems can make to environmental sustainability within the energy sector. An expert workshop was held in Utrecht, The Netherlands, on 25–27 June 1997 that addressed issues and approaches regarding the environmental aspects of PV power systems, including energy payback times, CO2 mitigation potential, environmental life-cycle assessment and health and safety assessment and control. Various issues of environmental importance were identified during the workshop and recommendations were made for further work to ensure that PV power systems will indeed fulfil the promise of environmental sustainability. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.