The objectives this subtask is addressing are the following:

• To establish and demonstrate, with comprehensive and transparent studies over the full life cycle, that PV systems are environmentally friendly compared to other energy systems.

• To show that future very large-scale implementation will provide clear environmental benefits.

The activities to achieve the announced objectives are the next:

• Compare the environmental impact profiles of PV technologies with those of other energy technologies

• Show the trends in PV environmental profiles by certain indicators (e.g., energy pay-back time, green-house gas emissions, environmental impacts, waste reduction, materials’ recycling and recovery).

• Continue showing such progress in annual updates over the course of Task 12 (5 years).

• Valuate the environmental benefits of PV by showing avoided impacts or avoided “external” costs. 

• Credible communication and dissemination of results.

These activities have started with developing guidelines for a consistent methodological approach in LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) databases and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), enabling well-balanced and transparent comparisons among PV and other energy technologies. This will allow:

• Benchmarking of the PV technology performance against other energy technologies

• Monitoring and reporting progress in the environmental area (process and product)

• Benchmarking of individual company performance within the whole PV industry

• Credible communication and dissemination of results