Solar cells combined with geothermal or wind power systems reduces climate and environmental impact

Abstract

Abstract This research investigates the environmental sustainability of three integrated power cycles: combined geothermal-wind, combined solar-geothermal, and combined solar-wind. Here, a promising solar technology, the perovskite solar cell, is considered and analysed in conjunction with another renewable-based cycle, evaluating 17 scenarios focusing on improving the efficiency and lifespan. Among the base cases, combined solar-wind had the lowest ozone depletion impact, while combined geothermal-wind had the lowest freshwater ecotoxicity and marine ecotoxicity impacts. The study shows that extending the perovskite solar cell lifespan from 3 to 15 years reduces CO2 emissions by 28% for the combined solar-geothermal and 56% for the combined solar-wind scenario. The most sustainable cases in ozone depletion, marine ecotoxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, and climate change impacts are combined solar-wind, combined solar-geothermal, and combined geothermal-wind, respectively, among all evaluated scenarios. This research suggests investing in the best mix of integrated power cycles using established and emerging renewable technologies for maximum environmental sustainability.