How to optimize lifetime, quality and energy yield of photovoltaic modules: a regulatory approach based on a techno-economic-environmental assessment

The ‘European Green Deal’ attributes a pivotal role to the decarbonisation of the EU energy system in order to reach climate objectives in 2030 and 2050. Photovoltaic energy (PV), among the plethora of renewable energies, can greatly contribute to EU energy system transition. A recent study carried out by the Joint Research Centre shows that, inter alia, the yield, quality and long-term performance of PV modules present an improvement potential, which could be tackled by means of regulatory instruments, such as the Ecodesign Directive and the Energy Labelling Regulation. In standardisation terms, the durability of a product, intended as an estimator of its technical lifetime, can be defined as the ‘ability to function as required, until a limiting state is reached’. The PV modules have a typical annual degradation rate of 0.8%-1%, which leads to 80% of the initial nameplate rating at 20-25 years.