Bio-Based Materials To Supply The Solar Photovoltaic Industry: A Review and Critical Assessment

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is crucial for transitioning towards a low-carbon energy system and mitigate global warming. This study evaluates the potential of further reducing the environmental impact of PV modules by substituting conventional materials (e.g. glass, backsheet, encapsulant, frame, and junction box) with bio-based alternatives. A review of the current literature and recent advancements highlights the possibility of substituting conventional PV materials with bio-based alternatives. While wood-based frames (replacing aluminum) show the most promise in terms of cost and CO2 footprint, further research is needed to assess their durability. In conventional PV modules, the substitution of polymers (e.g. backsheets and encapsulants) with bio-sourced materials does not substantially reduce the CO2 footprint associated to module manufacturing. Also, concerns exist about the agricultural land required to produce bio-based encapsulants and backsheets to supply the global solar industry. Under our assumptions, the land required to fully supply a global 1 TWp industry with bio-based polymers (~1.8 Mha) is twice as much that needed for the installation of 1 TWp of solar PV (~1 Mha). The reliability and environmental benefits of PV modules containing bio-sourced materials still requires a thorough validation. This approach underscores the importance of considering performance, reliability and environmental benefits when integrating bio-based materials into PV.