Environmental issues related to commercialization of CuInSe/sub 2/-based photovoltaics

Abstract

One of the most promising materials for low-cost thin film photovoltaic cells is copper indium selenide (CuInSe/sub 2/ or CIS). As with any new material, successful commercialization of CIS photovoltaic (PV) technology will require attention to environmental issues related to the sources of raw materials, their usage, and the disposal and/or recycling of products at the end of their useful life. This paper focuses on three specific environmental issues related to CIS technology: (i) economics of the use and re-use of materials; (ii) regulations on environmental disposal and waste handling; and (iii) logistics and economics of recycling and disposal of products by industries faced with comparable environmental issues.