Cadmium telluride (CdTe) technology has been identified as having minimal environmental impact among solar cell technologies in India, according to a study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.
Environmental Benefits of CdTe
CdTe technology boasts the lowest:
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- Ozone depletion potential
- Human health effects
- Particulate air pollution
Comparative Study of Solar Technologies
The IIT scientists conducted a life-cycle assessment (LCA) on five solar cell technologies:
- CdTe (Cadmium Telluride)
- Mono-silicon
- Polysilicon
- Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)
- Passivated Emitter & Rear Contact (PERC)
Findings
- CdTe technology had the least environmental impact.
- CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) PV cells closely followed CdTe in environmental performance.
Detailed Life Cycle Assessment
The research utilized the Life Cycle Assessment tool, examining eighteen environmental impact categories, including:
- Global warming
- Stratospheric ozone depletion
- Human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity
- Fine particulate matter formation
These assessments considered the entire process from raw material extraction to solar panel manufacturing.
Expert Insights
Atul Dhar, associate professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, emphasized:
- Solar PV systems are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels during operation.
- Significant environmental impacts occur during manufacturing and usage phases.
Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, also an associate professor in the same school, highlighted:
- The importance of Life Cycle Assessment in identifying sustainable technologies.
- Guidance for policymakers to promote technologies that balance economic, social, and environmental benefits.
- The potential for reducing the environmental impact of solar energy production through informed decisions.
Future Research
The study acknowledged limitations, as it did not examine the recycling and end-of-life phases of solar technology. Future research will address these phases.
India’s Clean Energy Progress
- Between 2010 and 2020, India made significant strides in clean energy to meet Paris and Copenhagen commitments, driven by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.
- The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the solar supply chain, delaying projects worth Rs. 160 billion.
- Post-COP26, India’s focus has shifted to green solar manufacturing to enhance supply chain reliability, energy security, and decarbonisation, aligning with UN clean energy goals.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Which solar cell technology has the least environmental impact according to IIT Mandi’s study?
- a) Mono-silicon
- b) Polysilicon
- c) CdTe (Cadmium Telluride)
- d) PERC (Passivated Emitter & Rear Contact)
- What are the environmental benefits of CdTe technology?
- a) Highest carbon dioxide emissions
- b) Lowest ozone depletion potential
- c) Highest human health effects
- d) Highest particulate air pollution
- Which solar technology closely follows CdTe in terms of environmental performance?
- a) Mono-silicon
- b) Polysilicon
- c) PERC (Passivated Emitter & Rear Contact)
- d) CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide)
- How many environmental impact categories were assessed using the Life Cycle Assessment tool?
- a) 10
- b) 12
- c) 15
- d) 18
- What phase did the study acknowledge it did not examine?
- a) Manufacturing
- b) Usage
- c) Recycling and end-of-life
- d) Raw material extraction