Life-Cycle Analysis of Tandem PV Perovskite-Modules and Systems

We quantified the environmental and energy life-cycle impacts of a mechanically-stacked perovskite-silicon tandem (Pk/Si) photovoltaic systems – under development by Tandem PV, Palo Alto, California – in comparison with commercial PV systems. It was found that the considered systems would be less energy demanding and would produce less carbon and toxic emissions than crystalline-based and CIGS systems, if they reach the same 30-year life as conventional PV systems. Sensitivity analysis on lifetimes shows that even when they last 20 years their energy and environmental performances are comparable to those of single-junction c-Si and CIGS systems. The Energy Pay Back Times (EPBT) of Pk/Si tandem systems were estimated to range from 5 months (installations at 1,800 kWh/m2/yr) to 4 months (installations at 2,300 kWh/m2/yr).