Nanomaterials in PV manufacture: Some life cycle environmental- and health-considerations

The potential benefits of using nanomaterials in PV manufacture triggered a recent surge of research and development in this area. Nevertheless, the environmental- and health-implications of using them are not delineated fully. In this study, we present and discuss the potential life-cycle energy uses and hazards of three photovoltaic (PV) designs based on nanotechnology, i.e., multi-junction amorphous silicon, nano cadmium telluride, and nano silver paste contact. Preliminary estimates indicate that nanotechnology- based PV designs use substantially more energy in producing the material and fabricating the device than do the current methodologies, particularly when coupled with the current immature, laboratory-scale processes. In addition, using nano-size forms of cadmium telluride and silver may introduce new hazards. These preliminary conclusions may change if the processes are scaled up fully for mass production, emphasizing the importance of timely updates on this topic.