COMPARATIVE LIFE CYCLE AND TECHNOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SOLAR PANEL MATERIALS FOR SUSTAINABLE PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

This study presents a comparative techno-economic and life cycle analysis of major photovoltaic
materials used in solar panel technologies, including monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous
silicon, CdTe, CIGS, and GaAs. The materials were evaluated based on efficiency, operational lifetime, carbon
footprint, energy payback period, recyclability, and environmental sustainability. The results indicate that
monocrystalline silicon provides the most balanced combination of efficiency and long-term reliability, while
thin-film technologies demonstrate lower environmental impact and shorter energy payback periods. The study
also highlights the significant role of recycling technologies in reducing photovoltaic waste and supporting the
sustainable development of solar energy systems. The findings confirm that future photovoltaic systems should
focus not only on energy efficiency, but also on ecological sustainability and material recovery potential