|
|
|
|
|
|
Material Sourced from Mining Byproducts |
The semiconductor material used in First Solar PV Modules is primarily sourced from the byproducts of mining operations. First Solar PV Modules incorporate micron amounts of cadmium telluride (CdTe) – about 1-2% of the semiconductor material used in typical crystalline silicon solar modules. Once compounded and encapsulated in First Solar modules, CdTe proves optimal for converting sunlight to useful electricity. The semiconductor material is effectively sequestered within the module throughout its 25+ year lifetime.
First Solar is converting waste products from one manufacturing process into material used in the manufacture of solar modules. Solar modules then produce clean, affordable energy reducing the environmental impacts of traditional fossil fuel generation and allowing us to make a significant contribution to the challenges of climate change. |
|
 |
|
Environmental Attributes of CdTe Technology |
The semiconductor material used by First Solar is uniquely capable of producing high volume, low cost solar modules. With the smallest carbon footprint and fastest energy payback time of any PV technology on the market, First Solar combines the economic benefit of low-cost with superior environmental performance to provide truly sustainable energy solutions. When in operation, First Solar modules generate electricity with no air emissions, no waste production, and no water use.
Research from the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory concluded: |
|
| Large-scale use of CdTe PV modules does not present any risks to health and the environment, and recycling the modules at the end of their useful life completely resolves any environmental concerns. During their operation, these modules do not produce any pollutants, and furthermore, by displacing fossil fuels, they offer great environmental benefits. CdTe PV modules appear to be more environmentally friendly than all other current uses of Cd.* |
|
| * Source: "RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS", Vol 8, 2004, pp 303–334, V M Fthenakis, "Life Cycle Impact Analysis of Cadmium in CdTe PV Production", with permission from Elsevier. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cadmium Telluride |
|
|
| CdTe technology is uniquely capable of driving solar to be a viable economic solution to climate change and energy independence. |
|
 Cadmium Telluride |
|
|
|
