New Solar Photovoltaics Trends Toward Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

After several years of scientific research and industrial development, photovoltaic solar energy is now one of the safest and most economical energy sources. In addition, it is meant to play a key role in solving energy supply deficiencies in the European region. However, despite the rapid improvement of the technology and the overall benefits that Solar PV reports, new concerns have emerged relating to its sustainability. Solar photovoltaics, even though being a renewable source of energy, presents a relatively high environmental impact when comparted to other renewable technologies. In addition, the EU has a high external dependency on some critical raw materials required for the manufacture of solar modules and lacks a proper manufacturing industry to cope with a constantly increasing demand. Investment on research for alternative materials and technologies, to provide better regional availability, longer life span, and increased efficiency, alongside the development of a proper manufacturing industry, will be key for Europe’s energy supply. Achieving climate neutrality while ensuring an affordable and reliable energy supply are some of the targets described in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that are most relevant in the European region, and Solar PV is set to have a main role in their achievement.