Impacto ambiental da fabricação de silício fotovoltaico.

Abstract

The increase of energy demand and the concern for the environment has arisen the need to develop alternative energy generation technologies, commonly called renewable energy. Thus, solar photovoltaic generation appeared as a good option due to the fact of owning a great source of availability for the energy generation, the sun, and it seems have a low pollution potential. However, in the production process of its main raw material, crystalline silicon solar grade (SIGs), which one is used to produce photovoltaic cells, there are significant environmental impacts. Therefore, it is shown in this report the whole photovoltaic silicon production process, from the mining to the final form of the material used to the photovoltaic applications. Additionally, it is presented the environmental impacts of silicon production steps to attempt a better explanation of the entire process until you reach the photovoltaic silicon.