Third generation photovoltaics — Early intervention for circular economy and a sustainable future

Third generation photovoltaics (3GPV) which include dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs); organic photovoltaics (OPV); and perovskite solar cells, are promising green energy technologies in their infancy which hold the promise of low cost energy generation for the future. At this early stage in development, full lifecycle optimisation taking account of all parts of the product lifecycle is required to maximise the resource efficiency benefits associated with the use of these technologies to create a truly sustainable renewable energy technology. Here we examine the advantages of lifecycle optimisation for 3GPV technologies along with key aspects of design; materials selection; manufacturing processes; likely applications of the technologies; and potential recycling and refurbishment strategies. We identify features which are conducive to circular economy and identify barriers to resource efficiency for these technologies, and suggest some potential solutions and priority areas for future research.