Toxicity assessment of lead and other metals used in perovskite solar panels

Abstract

We evaluated the potential life cycle toxicity impacts of Pb, and five other metals found in perovskite solar panels-Al, Ag, Cu, In, and Sn. We focused on their use in integrated applications-urban, agrivoltaic, buildings, and floating solar, but also included their mining and recycling. Results indicated only the mining of silver is more ecotoxic than that of lead. During a catastrophic break, aluminum emissions in general and silver for floating photovoltaics, are more ecotoxic than those of lead. In all other cases, metals evaluated are potentially as toxic as lead. Finally, the use of virgin materials for the manufacture of the panel has similar impacts as recycling those materials. However, the recovery of the bottom glass and cell is environmentally beneficial due to its silver content.