The LCA analysis shows the environmental impacts
caused by thin film PV-systems compared to
conventional energy systems,. Although the results differ
depending on the mentioned circumstances, the
qualitative statements remain the same: thin film PVsystems are environmentally significantly advantageous
21st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, 4-8 September 2006, Dresden, Germany 2016compared to conventional energy systems.
Although recycling of such complex products is seen as
feasible but implying not negligible amount of energy
and material use, the environmental burdens of the
developed recycling system have a relatively small
contribution, 4 %, in the environmental burdens of the
whole life cycle. The environmental “credits” due to
gained metals after recycling are considered hereby.
During the project, especially for CIGS modules,
technical optimization in the production line was put into
practice. Together with an increase of production
capacity the optimization led to an improvement of
environmental performance of this thin film PV-system.
Depending on the technology, application and location
(Location: Central Europe, Mediterranean Area, Solar
belt) the EPBT has been reduced by about 30 % e.g. for
roof integrated application in Mediterranean Area to 1,3
years, for ground mounted power plant in the same
region to 1,5 years. Further development and
improvement are expected for the near future [8].