Despite increased interest in and use of renewable energy sources, it’s not easy to create and expand solar technologies that cost less, are more reliable, and are more efficient. Part of the challenge has been designing a renewable solar technology that can go to scale and offset their negative impacts to the environment and/or human health.

A study by Shanika Amarakoon and Cyril Vallet of Abt Associates provides needed insight on the human and environmental impact that different types of photovoltaic cells (PV) – thin, solar powered cells – would have if used widely.

In “Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium Copper Indium Gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) Modules,” published in the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Amarakoon, Vallet, and partnering authors assessed thin-film solar cells made from copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS).