A conceptual framework to guide the eco-design of solar energy technologies

Solar energy will make a significant contribution to the global energy supply in the near future as well as in the long-term, which suggests the introduction of innovative technologies. Eco-design is encouraged to be applied at the early stage of technology development so that these innovative solar energy technologies could be developed with the largest energy and environmental benefits. The paper presents a conceptual framework, which integrates general guidelines and life cycle assessment to advise the eco-design of solar energy technologies. The framework includes a list of 164 eco-design guidelines for solar photovoltaics and concentrating solar power technologies, being compiled from the existing literature, covering all life cycle stages, and sub-components constituting the technologies. Apart from the general guidelines, the framework proposes the integration of life cycle assessment to obtain specific eco-design measures for a particular solar energy technology. The majority of guidelines/ measures are relevant to ‘R’ measures such as refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacturing, recycle and recover of materials, energy, components, products and technologies. This framework should be applied as a quick review tool for the eco-design solar energy technologies taking into account environmental aspects over their life cycle. For a specific technology, a life cycle assessment-based guideline is recommended to identify the most suitable and context-sensitive measures.