Print Email Facebook Twitter Changing Environmental Tides of Amsterdam’s Future PV Systems Title Changing Environmental Tides of Amsterdam’s Future PV Systems: A multi-scenario projection for the environmental performance of residential PV systems in Amsterdam Author de Vilder, Sietse (TU Delft Technology, Policy and Management) Contributor Cucurachi, S. (mentor) Vogt, M.R. (mentor) van Driel, J. (mentor) Degree granting institution Delft University of TechnologyUniversiteit Leiden Corporate name Delft University of TechnologyUniversiteit Leiden Programme Industrial Ecology Date 2023-08-21 Abstract The municipality of Amsterdam is swiftly advancing its climate neutrality aspirations within the EU’s Climate Neutral Cities Mission. To accelerate this transition, the municipality has set the target to fully utilize suitable rooftop surfaces for solar panels by 2050. Yet, economic incentives prompt households to replace PV panels prematurely, leading to functional panels being discarded for low-value recycling. This study focuses on evaluating the environmental consequences of lifetime extension strategies at city scale, using Amsterdam as a case study. Employing an innovative prospective Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, this research examines net environmental impact across multiple scenarios, derived from a General Morphological Analysis (GMA). The findings indicate that, despite rapid technological advancements, retaining older panels on buildings proves environmentally preferable to early disposal. Moreover, re-installing functionally disposed panels holds the potential to drive a significant reduction of 790 to 1910 million kilograms of CO2-equivalent emissions, or 126 to 327 million euros in shadow costs. To seize the opportunity for reuse, the municipality is advised to initiate pilot projects urgently and collaborate with European end-of-life management stakeholders. Future research is needed to incorporate the influence of novel recycling practices, emerging circular technologies, regional market shifts toward Europe, and the implications of resource independence. This study underscores the need for sustainable PV panel management strategies to accelerate Amsterdam’s climate-neutral journey. Subject Photovoltaic systemsLife cycle assessment (LCA)Reuse in Circular Economy To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:2a9af07d-980d-434a-b0f8-e904385d4ae9 Part of collection Student theses Document type master thesis Rights © 2023 Sietse de Vilder Files PDF Thesis_Final_Report_Siets ... Vilder.pdf 21.64 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:2a9af07d-980d-434a-b0f8-e904385d4ae9/datastream/OBJ/view