The goal of Task 12 is to foster international cooperation and knowledge sharing on the sustainable aspects of PV technology, emphasizing environmental and social factors. Its mission is to provide essential information to stakeholders, enhancing consumer and policy-maker confidence in PV systems, and thereby accelerating the shift towards sustainable energy.
The objectives of Task 12 are to:
Task 12’s first objective focuses on employing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for detailing energy, material, and emission flows across PV life cycles, including human health assessments. The second objective involves advancing the circular economy for PV modules and system components through research and metric development. The third objective is met by evaluating the impact of PV projects on ecosystems, including both standard and integrated systems like agrivoltaics. The fourth objective promotes sustainable practices within the solar value chain and assesses environmental, social, and socio-economic impacts of PV technology. Lastly, the fifth objective engages a wide audience through publications, presentations, and media collaboration, disseminating information and fostering industry-wide sustainable actions.
Task 12 aims to facilitate a common understanding of PV Sustainability among the various country-members and disseminate the Task’s outcomes and knowledge to stakeholders, energy and environmental policy decision makers, and the general public.
A key aspect of Task 12’s outreach is the publication of reports, factsheets, and technical documents that provide in-depth analyses on various aspects of PV sustainability. These publications serve as essential resources for understanding the environmental and social impacts of PV technologies. In addition to written materials, Task 12 actively engages with stakeholders through workshops and webinars, fostering knowledge exchange and discussions on best practices in PV sustainability.
Task 12 is jointly operated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Total Energies. In addition to that, Task 12 receives valuable support from further leading research institutions, ensuring a strong foundation for advancing PV sustainability.
This subtask addresses the following objectives:
This subtask aims the next targets:
The main objectives within this subtask are:
The main objectives within this subTask are: