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Last updated: 6 February 2002

Environmental Aspects of PV Power Systems

  • Are photovoltaic cells and modules made out of toxic materials?
    Most of the photovoltaic cells used are made out of silicon, which is non toxic. Photovoltaic modules are made of glass, plastic and in some cases an aluminium frame.
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  • Are photovoltaic cells environmental friendly?
    During their electricity generation lifetime (more than 25 years) there is no impact on the environment. Nothing is consumed and no pollution is made. During production and especially material purification they do have some influence on the environment. For silicon photovoltaic cells the silicon has to be very pure and this purification process is energy demanding. Some photovoltaic cells not made out of silicon, contain some environmental unfriendly materials such as cadmium (Cd) and have to be recycled with caution. But this question can be handled without difficulty by industry as is done in the electronic industry making semiconductor chips.
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    For more information about environmental aspects see also IEA  PVPS report Environmental Aspects of PV Power Systems. Summary of the IEA  PVPS Task I Workshop 25-27 June 1997, Utrecht, The Netherlands, December 1997.

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