Comprehensive Life-Cycle Assessment of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules in China: Environmental Hotspots and Recycling Pathway Optimization

Abstract

As photovoltaic (PV) power generation assumes a central role in the global energy transition, a systematic assessment of its full life-cycle environmental impact is crucial. This study conducts a comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules in China, aiming to quantify resource consumption and environmental emissions across all stages, from manufac- turing, transportation, and operation to end-of-life (EoL) recycling. Adopting a “cradle-to-grave” system boundary in accordance with ISO 14040/44 standards, the research places a specific focus on comparing the environmental performance of two mainstream EoL treatment routes: Pyrolytic recycling and mechanical recycling. The results reveal that: (1) The environmental burdens of PV modules are highly concentrated in the upstream manufacturing and transportation stages, which dominate impacts across multiple categories, including acidification, eutrophication, ecotoxicity, and human toxicity; (2) At the EoL stage, the mechanical recycling route demon- strates overwhelming environmental superiority over pyrolytic recycling, exhibiting a global warming potential (GWP) over 100 times lower and a significantly reduced human toxicity potential (HTP), establishing it as a low-carbon, non-toxic pathway; (3) The primary drivers of the environmental impacts are the high energy consumption of manufacturing processes like polysilicon purification (espe- cially when powered by a fossil-fuel-dominated grid) and the intensive use of chemicals such as chlorosilanes and cutting fluids. The study concludes that physical recycling is the preferred pathway for achieving a green and closed-loop PV industry under current technological conditions. By identifying environmental hotspots and optimizing recycling strategies, this work provides a solid scientific foundation for advancing the sustainable development of China’s photovoltaic industry and informing related circular economy policies.

Keywords: life cycle analysis, photovoltaic module, environmental impact analysis, circular economy, resource recycling