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Worldwide attention to environmental issues combined with the energy crisis force us to reduce greenhouse emissions and increase the usage of renewable energy sources as a solution to providing an efficient environment. This book addresses the current issues of sustainable growth and applications in renewable energy sources. The fifteen chapters of the book have been divided into two sections to organize the information accessible to readers. The book provides a variety of material, for instance on policies aiming at the promotion of sustainable development and implementation aspects of RES.


Introduction
Photovoltaic (PV) conversion or the production of electricity directly through the use of solar energy (Fig. 1) is undoubtedly a promising source of renewable energy despite the negligible position it still holds in the global energy landscape, namely barely 0.2% of the global electricity produced in 2010 (European Photovoltaic Industry Association [EPIA], 2011a; British petroleum Global [BPG], 2011). In fact, it is difficult not to take its breathtaking growth into consideration since the production of PV electricity increased from 1 TWh in 1999 to 50 TWh (40 GW) in 2010, for an annual increase of 36% with a spectacular leap of 50% between 2009 and 2010 (Observ'ER, 2010;BPG, 2011). Various hypotheses predict a global capacity between 131 GW and196 GW in 2015 (EPIA, 2011). In comparison, from 1999 to 2009, wind energy increased 29% whereas fossil energy only grew 3.7% (Observ'ER, 2010). Therefore, it is not surprising that the term "solar revolution" was already in use in the field of renewable energy as of 2006 (Bradford, 2006). However, although PV conversion is a credible and preferred candidate as a safe source of energy in the highly probable context of mixed energy and sustainable development, it remains marginal and there are legitimate questions concerning its development, which is still in the very early stages, particularly with respect to performance, production costs and competitiveness. It should be noted that fossil energies still satisfy 80% of the global demand for electricity (Observ'ER, 2010). The purpose of this chapter is to assess both the performance of PV conversion, in economic and energetic terms, in a favourable global market and the intense research into the use of innovative technologies to improve performance. These assessments require an excursion into the life cycle of PV systems from the synthesis of semi-conductors to the use of the electricity generated, the storage of the energy and finally on to the dismantling and recycling of facilities. The development of PV systems, from the design to the end of their life, is accompanied by environmental, health and safety concerns related to the expansive use of potentially toxic materials. Logically, the assessment of the life cycle of PV systems will raise concerns about their compatibility with the global approach of sustainable development in terms of ecological footprint, economic profitability and social acceptability. Social acceptability is even more fundamental in terms of the sustainability since the user should adopt a less traditional energy approach. Will solar energy, which is perceived as the future of renewable energies, be able to challenge of meeting the essential concepts of clean and green energy? that took place in Northern Africa during World War I. Moreover, the advent of fossil fuels, with more affordable costs and better performances, ruined all efforts for the economic existence of solar energy for close to 50 years. In 1954, the idea of solar energy was revitalized as a result of the efforts of Gerald Pearson, Calvin Fuller and Daryl Chapin, three researchers who developed the first silicon solar cells with an initial efficiency of 6% which soon increased to 14% (Singh, 1998). The first commercial applications started in 1958 but these cells were essentially used for space applications. Even though the terrestrial use of solar energy was slow, the scientists and the public were enthusiastic (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005;Bradford, 2006;Krauter, 2006). The development of solar PV systems was strongly influenced at the outset by the price of fossil fuels. Thus, the oil crisis of the 1970s and the sudden increase in the price of oil revealed the precariousness of fossil energy resources and encouraged the solar industry. As a result, the Solar Energies Research Institute was created in the USA and the first subsidies were granted, injecting three billion dollars. In 1979, solar panels were installed on the roofs of the White House, a gesture considered highly symbolic (Bradford, 2006). Thermodynamic solar energy, however, declined in the 1970s and 1980s, for the benefit of by PV energy (Vaille, 2009). At that time, the USA accounted for 80% of the solar market. However, when the price of oil once again declined in the 1980s and the early 1990s, the enthusiasm for solar energy dropped and the solar panels were removed from the White House. Nevertheless, research into PV technologies continued, but was less sustained (Bradford, 2006). During the 1990s, the world became aware of the need to revise energy policies based on sustainable development and concerns about climate change. Obviously, these issues involved the consideration of the level of energy consumption as well as the environmental consequences (such as greenhouse gas emissions, GHG) and the precariousness of fossil resources (Bradford, 2006). Thus, more attention was paid to PV solar resources. This time, Europe took the lead in this industry which was predestined to flourish. Thus, of the 40 GW of solar electricity generated in 2010, 30 GW were generated by the European Union, of which 17 GW were produced by Germany. For the same year, Japan and the United States trailed behind with 3.6 GW and 2.5 GW respectively (EPIA, 2011). The applications of PV are incredibly diverse at present, ranging from small to large, including solar calculators, irrigation pumps, the heating of single-family homes, and solar facilities (roofs, facades, etc.) connected to the power grid (Labouret & Villoz, 2009;Bradford, 2006). PV systems are interesting because they can also be installed in zones that are completely devoid of electrical networks or energy infrastructures, particularly in certain developing countries where the isolated segments intended for rural electrification are experiencing a veritable boom (Singh, 1998). Current applications and future projections differ by region since socio-economic concerns are dissimilar. Thus, in the developed countries, future visions focus on the large-scale integration of PV energy in the urban environment. The idea of a city as a gigantic PV power plant is germinating in peoples' minds as they wait for a large-scale study on the potential environmental and social impacts (Gaidon et al., 2009). In the developing countries, PV energy provides added value and is becoming a symbol of progress and openness to the world, outside the outlying rural zones that could enjoy the benefits (Singh, 1998).

Solar radiation: Geophysical considerations and energy potential
Located nearly 150 million km from Earth, the Sun is a huge nuclear power plant-the oldest in the history of mankind-and has a capacity of 25 million kW/h per gram of hydrogen, its main component. The nuclear fusion of one kg of hydrogen releases an energy value of 8.3 million tons oil equivalent (Lhomme, 2004). Since the sun accounts for some two billion tons of material, over 90% being hydrogen of which it uses 600 million tons per second, the energy produced is unimaginable. In fact, it produces 4 x 10 17 GW, or the equivalent of 400 million billion nuclear power plants! The Earth receives only a tiny fraction of this energy (Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, n.d.; Lhomme, 2004). The major characteristics of sun energy, despite a certain ubiquity, are a large regional disparity and more or less marked by seasonal imbalance. For instance, the average energy received by Europe is 1,200 kWh/m 2 /y vs 1,800 to 2,300 kWh/m 2 /y in the Middle East (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). Latitude, exposure and altitude are parameters that influence the overall daily and seasonal radiation. Tropical regions corresponding to 25-30 degrees latitude are sunnier compared to European countries above the 45-degree parallel.
Climatologists have long endeavoured to assess the solar energy of a given area as thoroughly as possible and even be able to predict the evolution. Statistics on solar radiation were therefore compiled from data collected to input into valuable databases (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). Assembling data of a given region based on different criteria is strategic for the design and dimensioning of PV systems, especially their orientations and inclinations (Labouret & Villoz, 2009). Characterization of increasingly sophisticated global solar energy resources is a sign of PVs' promising potential. Thus the calculations by the International Energy Agency (US IEA) lead to surprising conclusions. Installing PV systems on only 4% of the area of the world's driest deserts would likely be able to provide all of humanity's primary energy needs (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011).

Technological aspects from solar energy to photovoltaic electricity
The PV effect consists in the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity (Fig.1). Three interdependent and successive physical phenomena are involved: a) the optical absorption of light rays, b) the transfer of the energy from the photons to the electrons in the form of potential energy; c) the collection of the electrons excited in this manner so that they recover their initial energy. The ideal converter is still the semi-conductor, since both the conductivity and the collection method are both sufficient and efficient. However, there are two major obstacles with respect to PV conversion. The first one is related to the photons and electrons. In fact, not all the photons are absorbed and not all of the excited electrons are collected. This impacts the energy performance of a semi-conductor, one of the key parameters for the PV industry. In practical terms, the performance of a solar cell is the maximum power produced, expressed in Watts-peak (Wp) and the higher the Wp is, the better the performance of the cell is (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005 ;Labouret & Villoz, 2009). The other major obstacle is the price of the solar module. Development of the technologies and the PV materials is continuing while the two goals are to increase energy performance and reduce the cost of the Wp beneath the symbolic threshold of $1 US/Wp (Krauter, 2006;Xakalashe & Tangstad, 2011).
The material currently used preponderantly in the design of PV cells is silicon, which is abundant in nature, accounting for 90% of the global market for the production of the modules. More than 80% of the silicon used is in crystalline form with an energy performance between 14% and 22% for a solar cell, compared to 12%-19% once assembled in modules (Labouret & Villoz, 2009;EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011;Xakalashe & Tangstad, 2011). There are currently three generations of photovoltaic cells. Those referred to as the first generation are made of crystalline silicon. The cells are provided in plates or wafers and have to be made from very pure silicon, using a manufacturing process that is still very onerous (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005;Labouret & Villoz, 2009;Jaeger-Waldau, 2010). The price of the solar module based on first generation cells is estimated at close to $2 US/Wp (Xakalashe & Tangstad, 2011;SolarServer, 2011). The second-generation solar cells, so-called thin layer cells, require less material and should cost less to design. Their development is more and more promising since their market share grew from 5% in 2005 to 16%-20% in 2009. Their production capacity, estimated at about 10 GW in 2010, could grow to 20 GW in 2012 and 70GW in 2015 (Jaeger-Waldau, 2010). The thin-layer solar cells include, first and foremost, amorphous silicon, with a very uncompetitive performance of between 4% and 8% although the price per Wp is advantageous, approximately $1.3 US in 2011 (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011; SolarServer, June 2011). The second generation also includes other polycrystalline thin-layer films, particularly those based on cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium selenide (CIS) and its alloy copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). The average performance of the CdTe cells is between 8% and 10%. The price per Wp was $0.81 US in the first quarter of 2010 and at the end of the same year, CdTe modules contributed to the production of almost 14% of the PV solar electricity generated by thin-layer cells (Jaeger-Waldau, 2010). In theory, the CIS and CIGs cells have the highest performance for thin-layer cells, which is estimated at 20% in laboratory tests. However, the modules installed yield only 7% to 12%. Nevertheless, this technology is in the early stages of development and the manufacturing process is still complex, particularly since indium is a material that is in high demand in the flat screen (LCD) industry, which makes its use in PV systems problematic (Labouret & Villoz, 2009;EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). The objective set for the third generation cells is in the vicinity of 30% and these cells rely on innovative technologies. This group includes primarily: a) multi-junction cells with a thin layer of silicon or gallium arsenide combined with a solar concentrator, b) organic polymer cells or poly-electrochemical cells, also called Grätzel cells; c) thermophotovoltaic cells, primarily with an indium arsenide base (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). The multi-junctions, equipped with solar concentrators with a factor of up to 1000, are by far the most performing, with a record performance of 35.8% announced in 2009. However, the applications remain limited since they are confined to the space and military fields (Chataing, 2009;Guillemoles, 2010). While the performances of the organic cells are lower, from 8% to 12%, interest in such cells and particularly the Grätzel cells is growing since the production costs are constantly declining with an interesting price outlook estimated at $0.73 dollars US (0.5 Euros) per Wc in 2020 (Chabreuil, 2010;EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). One of the emerging technologies in the field of PVs is nanotechnology, which uses nanocrystalline particles or quantum dots, which would significantly increase the efficiency of the conversion compared to conventional semi-conductors (Nozik et al., 2010). Current www.intechopen.com research is focussing on the use of hybrid organic-inorganic cells with a great deal of load mobility that uses cadmium selenide as the inorganic material (Freitas et al., 2010).

Practical applications
The solar modules consist of cells assembled in series, encapsulated between supports made of tempered glass, a special Tedlar® type plastic or "solar" resin, and then framed. In order to amplify their power, the modules may be grouped in voltaic panels or even voltaic fields with power output ranging from 1 kWp (kilowatt peak) to more than 100 kWp (Antony et al., 2010). The two types of PV systems in use are autonomous (off-grid system) systems and those connected to the public electrical network (on-grid system); they differ in terms of their finality and the nature of their components. The electricity produced by the autonomous systems is consumed on site whereas that generated by facilities connected to the network is intended to fully or partially supply that network (Labouret & Villoz, 2009;Antony et al., 2010). Moreover, there is a hybrid system, an intermediary and emerging form of the PV market that allows connection to another source of energy. Efforts to combine sources of energy are continuing particularly as a complementary source of energy although this type of system remains complex, laborious and onerous (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005;Labouret & Villoz, 2009). There are many applications for autonomous systems such as internal market for solar gadgets (calculators, clocks, etc.), solar home systems and water pumps. These systems are still a preferred solution for developing countries where more than two billion people are not connected to an electrical network and have no hope of being connected to one someday (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005;Labouret & Villoz, 2009). Nevertheless, despite their appeal as sources of energy and their potential for development, these systems are still the source of major concerns requiring intense consideration so as to ensure both their sustainability and their wide-scale generalization in developing countries. In this case, it would be possible to enhance their tangible added value in the global energy landscape. First, apart from the internal market and "sun-related" applications such as pumping or ventilation, the autonomous systems would have to include judicious storage batteries in order to accumulate excess electricity, but these batteries are problematic. The financing for the autonomous generators is the first negative element since, even if only 20%-30% of the initial investments are for storage, the reduced lifespan of the batteries (batteries have to be replaced every 2, 5 or 10 years) results in a final cost that could amount to 70% of the total costs (Labouret & Villoz, 2009). It is a fact that the positive development of individual solar systems in the developing countries is having pernicious effects since that easier access to electricity could lead to an increase in the acquisition of electrical appliances and, consequently, to the overuse of batteries, thereby reducing their lifespan (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005). Moreover, the scarcity of training on autonomous systems, aggravated by the high rate of illiteracy in the developing countries, could result in difficulties in maintaining the batteries which, obviously, influences their durability. Thus, the integration of batteries, although essential for autonomous systems, will have an impact on their costs, already high ($500 to $1500 US), thereby handicapping, to a certain extent, their generalization in terms of rural electrification in developing countries (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005;Labouret & Villoz, 2009).
The other issue with respect to autonomous systems concerns the nature of the batteries, which are essentially lead-based. The lead battery has two disadvantages: the most particular concern is the potential effect on public health and safety and its impact on the environment, mainly resulting from the presence of lead, a toxic heavy metal. Concerns are not only to the manufacture and handling of this type of battery but also to end-of-life recycling (Vest, 2002).

Energy and economic performances
It is possible to evaluate the competitiveness of PV systems in terms of economic and energy performances. The prominent economic parameters are the global cost of the PV systems and the price of the solar energy generated while energy profitability is estimated in terms of the Energy Pay-Back Time [EPBT] as well as the Energy Return Factor [ERF]. Two realities affect the photovoltaic market: a) growth has been spectacular in just a few years and b) the price of the energy produced remains the most expensive (Aladjidi & Rolland, 2010). Thus, when a price per Wp is announced, it only reflects the price of the solar unit when it leaves the plant. The overall cost of the PV solar energy includes an entire series of parameters, such as the cost of the initial investment, the operating lifespan of the system, the energy performance during operation, the cost of maintenance and whether or not storage batteries are integrated (Goetzberger & Hoffman;PVResources, 2011). The crucial parameter that will condition price fluctuations is certainly the maturity of the market, even more than the type of application for which the photovoltaic system is used. Thus, countries such as Germany and Spain are considered, as a result of their precocious commitment to the development of solar energy, the driving forces behind the growth of the PV market (Labouret & Villoz, 2009). The cost of the initial investment, depending on the power desired, includes several elements, in particular the retail price of the unit and the various components of the system, the feasibility study, planning, and the cost of installing the equipment. The various components vary according to the type of system. Those connected to the network, in residential segments on rooftops or facades or in solar fields, require more assembly structures, a cabling system and eventually grounding work (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). On the other hand, in addition to storage batteries, autonomous systems include load controllers which, although they represent only 5% of the initial investment, are essential for protecting the systems against solar overloads and discharges (Labouret & Villoz, 2009). In 2009, the price of PV installations varied from 3.5 to 5 Euros/Wp for 1 Kw of power with projections of 0.7-0.9 Euro/Wp in 2030 and even 0.56 Euro/Wp in 2050 (PVResources, 2011; EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). The price of the photovoltaic unit is the most important factor in determining the cost of the initial investment. It is still rather high and is currently estimated at between 40% and 60% of the total cost, depending on the technology used, although it has decreased significantly over the past five years (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). Since silicon dominates the PV market, the retail price of the units made using crystalline silicon reflects fluctuations in the price of the raw material, which is closely related with the production capacities of the industry. The spectacular overproduction of silicon noted in 2009, particularly as a result of the opening of an Asian PV market, although it destabilized the supply and demand through the multiplication of the number of independent producers, helped to remove the spectre of a silicon shortage .
In addition to readjusting the silicon market as a condition for stability requiring the consolidation of firms, the real issue with respect to reducing the price of the units involves improving the manufacturing process through automation. Thus, major efforts should be made to improve refining capacity, reduce the thickness of silicon wafers and increase conversion performances through an equitable manufacturing process that respects specific standards (Aladjidi & Rolland, 2010;EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). Although there are still good days ahead for silicon, the development of various emerging technologies in the field of photovoltaics would necessarily have a most beneficial effect since they would either use less silicon, as in the case of amorphous or micro-crystalline cells, or they would use innovative materials other than silicon (Aladjidi & Rolland, 2010). The lifespan of the PV systems is a key parameter not only for the assessment of the overall cost of the systems but also for estimating the EPBT and ERF. Most of the manufacturers of PV units provide performance guarantees, namely a life span between 20 and 25 years at 80% of the minimum nominal power for both crystalline and cadmium telluride units, while stating that this average would be a minimum estimate and not a definitive value since it would be estimated at 40 years in 2020 (Labouret & Villoz, 2009; EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). The improvement in lifespan is both technological and technical in nature since it is closely related to the stability of the PV systems in use elsewhere, which are negatively impacted by a deterioration process that affects both the solar units, despite the encapsulation of the cells, and the support frame. This degradation can result from the aging of the semiconductors, the delamination or loss of adhesiveness between the solar cells and from the intrusion of humidity. The fragility of the systems has a major impact on the energy performance during operation. However, only few studies were done on the estimation of losses, while a decrease in performance of 1%-2% per year was observed for some systems (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005). The cost of maintenance, including the ongoing control of the performance and the appearance of the systems as well as their cleaning, remains low and is estimated to be between 0.01 and 0.1 Euro/kWh (PVResources, 2011). However, integrating storage batteries in the autonomous systems, which are characterized by a decrease in lifespan of a factor of 2 for every 10 degrees Celsius as a result of corrosion, leads to a long-term increase in the cost of the investment as seen earlier (Labouret & Villoz, 2009). The average price of the solar electricity generated depends, among other things, on the initial installation costs and the rate of sunshine and is estimated at 0.22 Euro/kWh in Europe and remains, despite a significant decrease of 40% between 2007 and 2009, less competitive than the electricity generated using fossil fuels, which is evaluated between 0.09 and 0.27 Euro/kWh (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). However, there is no shortage of programs intended to make PV systems profitable, such as investment contributions (subsidy, green loan), tax benefits (reduction, exoneration) and direct pricing support, including the compensatory redemption rate systems in place in several European Union countries, particularly Germany and Italy (Goetzberger & Hoffman, 2005). Germany was the first country to implement a law giving priority to renewable energy and has been a powerful driving force behind the development of PV programs. This law, and others which have been based on it, establishes the right to inject solar energy into the public network and to be reimbursed per PV kWh (EPIA/GREENPEACE, 2011; PVResources, 2011).
Photovoltaics consume necessarily energy throughout a system's life cycle, i.e. during the manufacturing of modules, their installation and, at the end of their useful life, disassembly and recycling. The energy balance is defined by two common parameters: the EPBT, meaning the time required for PV energy to repay its energy debt, and the ERF or how many times the consumed energy is reproduced. These two parameters are determined by the rate off sunshine, the purpose and design of the PV system, and the type of technology (International Energy Agency-Photovoltaic Power Systems Program [IEA-PVPS], 2006; EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). The energy balance is closely related to the lifespan of the systems. A 2006 study gives an EPBT of between 1.6 and 3.3 years for systems installed on roofs and 2.7 to 4.7 years for those integrated into facades. The ERF, estimated for a business life of 30 years, is between 8 and 18 for roofs and from 5.4 to 10 for facades (IEA-PVPS, 2006). Data collected in 2009 for systems integrated into roofs in southern Europe indicate an EPBT of nearly 1.75 years for systems that use silicon cells, except for silicon ribbon, which is estimated at just over one year. Thin film technologies remain effective with nearly 0.7 years for cadmium telluride systems (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011), which was adjusted to 0.7 to 1.1 years by the Held team from Germany (Held & Ilg, 2011). Preliminary results related to commercial applications for solar concentrators present an EPBT of 0.8 to 1.9 years (Wild-Scholten et al., 2010). It appears that the silicon wafer industry is highly energy intensive and that the development of thin-film technologies, which require few materials, would be more compatible with an energy gain reducing the EPBT, maximizing the ERF and consequently optimizing the energy efficiency (Wild-Scholten et al., 2010; EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). However, a low EPBT does not always equate low energy efficiency and this finding makes perfect sense when applied to autonomous systems, which are of great use in developing countries. These systems are somewhat not considered in these calculations since few studies reinforce this reality, except one with an EPBT of 3.5 to 6 years due to the presence of storage batteries that must be regularly renewed and excess energy during periods of strong sunlight (Kaldellis et al., 2010). These energy assessment calculations include the end-of-life recycling of systems. Although the first large-scale PV applications were installed in the 1990s, increasing growth of the market will require that more systems be disassembled and recycled. Once disassembled, in terms of waste to be treated, PV modules represent about 2,300 t in 2007, over 7,500 t in 2011 and a forecast of 132,000 t in 2030 considering average annual growth of 17%. Silicon modules currently represent over 80% of this waste. But if trends in thin film and emerging technologies continue, by 2030 they could account for over 65% of waste generated (Sander et al., 2007). The era of waste collection and recycling PVs is still in its infancy despite voluntary measures in the PV industry (PVCycle, 2011) and the ongoing search for more efficient recycling techniques, both energy and economic, for all types of modules (Radziemskai et al., 2010). The recent integration of PV in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive (Council of European Commission, 2011a) is only a first step and a strong legislative framework underpinned by sustained efforts is required in order to structure PV waste management, generalize the most competitive recycling processes for all system components, including batteries, and make them applicable to the extent of PV installations worldwide (PVCycle, 2011).

Life cycle of photovoltaic systems and ecological footprint
As a result of the accelerated growth of the PV industry, a rigorous assessment of the environmental impacts of the systems has become necessary, conducted through a life cycle assessment (LCA) integrating all of the manufacturing, operating, collection and waste recycles. The LCA is an orderly process that analyzes the input/output impact of the PV industry from the "cradle to grave", with the inputs referring to the materials and energy consumed and the outputs illustrated by greenhouse gas (GHG) type emissions and solid and liquid waste. A form of environmental management that is as exhaustive as possible, the LCA is a series of tools and techniques for which the ultimate objective, beyond the descriptive and quantitative aspect of the environmental profile, is to reinforce the sustained effort to limit the environmental impacts in a context of sustainable development (Fthenakis et al., 2005a;IEA-PVPS, 2011). The key factor that will determine the pertinence and the credibility of the LCA will be the voluntary and transparent cooperation of the manufacturers with respect to the accurate and full disclosure of the various inputs/outputs (Fthenakis et al., 2005a;Stoppato, 2008;IEA-PVPS, 2009;Ecoinvent , 2010;IEA-PVPS, 2011). In addition to the energy considerations previously illustrated by the calculation of the EPBT and the ERF, the parameter most frequently estimated for the LCA assessment is the ecological footprint describing and quantifying the entire greenhouse gases (GHG) released during the lifespan of the PV system and expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents per kWh. The environmental gain expected by the reduction of GHG related to the operation of PV electricity has also to be taking into account. These two assessments are always determined in comparison with the emissions attributed to fossil energies (Fthenakis et al., 2005a;IEA-PVPS, 2011). The estimate of the GHG attributed to PV systems is an increasingly complex exercise since it includes criteria that are as diversified as the technology used, the choice of manufacturing processes and the type of energies consumed, the techniques for assembling the cells and units, the power generated, the transportation of raw materials and the finished product, the components required for the installation of the units (Balance Of System/BOS) as well as the recycling processes. The BOS will, in turn, depend on the applications, the dimensions, the orientations and, above all, the location selected (Krauter & Rüther, 2004;Stoppato, 2008;Fthenakis & Kim, 2011;Reich et al., 2011). A major distinction is acknowledged between indirect emissions, which concern the overall energy, electricity included, needed to manufacture the units, and the direct emissions, which concern all of the chemical compounds, raw materials included, that are involved in the manufacturing process and are a potential source of GHG (Reich et al., 2011). It is essential to point out that the GHG emission estimates for PV systems are not absolute since they are subject to a certain number of constraints, particularly the quality of the information provided by the manufacturers involved throughout the life cycle. Thus, the estimates are subject to future revisions as are the EPBT and ERF calculations (Reich et al., 2011;Held & Ilg, 2011). With respect to the direct emissions of the silicon industry, three critical phases are identified: the development of metallurgical-grade silicon from silica, its transformation into solar-grade silicon and the development of a structure and framework in the form of panels. While the production of metallurgical-grade silicon requires the consumption of roughly 14 kWh per kg of metallurgical-grade silicon whole releasing 3 tons of CO 2 equivalents for one www.intechopen.com ton of metallurgical-grade silicon, the solar-grade silicon stage is by far the most energy consuming, with 150 kWh per kg obtained (Miquel, 2009) or 1190 MJ/panel (0.65 m 2 ) (Stoppato, 2008). Assembling the panels with an aluminum frame also consumes energy, ranging between 53 and 245 kWh with emissions varying between 15 and 19 kg CO 2 -eq, all per kg of aluminum consumed (Krauter & Rüther, 2004). Overall, the estimation of GHG emissions for silicon panel manufacturing is variable as shown in table 1. The silicon technologies release also GHG directly, with the primary sources being the raw material itself, the various fluoride compounds involved in the manufacturing process as well as the incineration of the plastic used to encapsulate the solar cells, one of the common processes in the recycling of plastic materials. According to the estimates, the emission is virtually negligible, about 0.16 g CO 2 -eq/kWh for the raw material, whereas the incineration of plastic would be a source of 1.1 g (Reich et al., 2011).

Emission estimates
(g CO 2 -eq/kWh) Reference 15-25 EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011 30-45 Fthenakis & Alsema, 2006;43-73 Weisser, 2007Miquel, 2009148-187 Stoppato, 2008  The fluoride compounds remain the Achilles heel of silicon cells since they have an even higher Global Warming Potential (GWP). CO 2 , methane and the nitrogen oxides have GWPs of 1, 23 and 296. There are also issues with respect to CF 4 (carbon tetrafluoride), SF 6 (sulphur hexafluoride), C 2 F 6 (hexafluoroethane) and above all NF 3 (nitrogen trifluoride) for which the GWPs range from 7,400 to more than 17,000 Miquel, 2009). Despite this fact, these fluoride compounds, excluding SF 6 , are not included in the Kyoto protocol whereas NF 3 is considered to be the gas with a significant environmental impact (Prather & Hsu, 2008). Concerning the thin layer technology and, more specifically, the cadmium telluride (CdTe) technology, the small amount of data available relies on a certain number of parameters such as the geographic location of the facility, the conditions at the site of the installation and, certainly, the type of databases used. The information about the recycling procedures has a particular impact on the calculation, as for all of the technologies, but the recycling process is in the experimental stage since the CdTe market is still relatively young (Held & Ilg, 2011). From 18 to 20 g CO 2 -eq/kWh (Fthenakis & Kim, 2005;Fthenakis, 2009) the estimates are currently being revised slightly upwards (Held & Ilg, 2011). The autonomous PV systems include, in their calculations, the emissions generated by the storage batteries and eventually those caused by the diesel generators integrated in most of the hybrid systems. Taking into account the 1.26 kg CO 2 -eq released per kg of batteries produced, the cost of transportation and maintenance, and based on an operating life of more than 20 years, the individual systems, namely solar home systems (SHS), with a power of 15 Wp release an average of 160 kg CO 2 -eq whereas SHS with a power of 50 Wp release 650 kg (Posorski et al., 2003).
Notwithstanding this disparate data, the GHG emissions of PV systems are well below those of fossil energies as summarised in table 2. The overall production of electricity, all energy sources combined, generates an average of 600 g CO 2 -eq/kWh, although this varies between countries (Stoppato, 2008; EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011).

Energy system
Average emission Reference PV Systems 15-187 See references in Table 1 Coal 800 -1280800 - Dones et al., 2003Weisser, 2007;Evans; Oil 519-1200 Dones et al., 2003;Weisser, 2007;Evans;Natural Gas 360-991 Dones et al., 2003Jaramillo et al., 2007;Weisser, 2007;Evans; Table 2. GHG emissions (g CO 2 -eq/kWh) resulting from different energy systems Moreover, the ecological footprint may be evaluated in terms of environmental gains resulting from the expected reduction in GHG caused by the use of PV systems. Based on the principle that, once installed, the systems (with the exception of the diesel generators and the transportation of maintenance services) do not emit GHG, it is possible to calculate how many CO 2 -eq will be saved throughout their lifespan. Scenarios have been developed to extrapolate this reduction with a forecast of 0.6 kg CO 2 -eq/kWh on average saved by the extension of the systems connected to the network and taking into account emissions (optimistic) of 12-25 g CO 2 -eq/kWh. Almost 4 billion tons of CO 2 -eq could be saved by 2050 (EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). As for the autonomous systems, 70% would experience a reduction of more than 200 kg of CO 2 -eq per year, namely 6 tons of CO 2 -eq and 8.9 tons of CO 2 -eq for 15 and 50 Wp systems respectively with a lifespan of more than 20 years (Posorski et al., 2003). The projections go even further, considering that the implementation of PV plants in developing countries, combined with a generalization of systems connected to the network in order to supplement the hybrid systems and reduce emissions related to the transfer of technology from the supplier country to the consumer country would be even more beneficial in ecological terms with more than 26 tons of CO 2 -eq/kWh saved per site implemented (Krauter, 2006).

Potential health effects
The photovoltaic industry, with its ambitious goal to provide clean electricity, paradoxically uses materials and/or manufacturing processes that are not free from inherent potential health and safety effects. The sector is therefore facing a dual objective: increase energy efficiency and reduce or even abandon processes that use potentially toxic compounds.

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Health concerns date back to the 1960s (Neff, 1979) and many frameworks have been developed since. The integration of PV panels into the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive also shows awareness of PV systems potential toxic waste, which is classified as electronic waste (Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition [SVTC], 2009; Council of the European Union, 2011a). Legal frameworks such as the European REACH directive (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) have lent support to the trend. As a whole and regardless of the technology, potential risks are a reality that must be addressed thoroughly, without invoking the environmental benefits to delay the risk assessments and possible adoption of mitigation measures. The solar-grade silicon industry involves potential risks primarily during the manufacturing phase. However, mining of quartz or sand, precursors of metallurgical-grade silicon, also presents various risks mainly due to chronic exposure to crystalline silica dust, causing diseases of respiratory and urinary systems, arthritis, scleroderma and even lung cancer (International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC], 1998;Yassin et al., 2005). Developing solar-grade silicon from metallurgical-grade silicon through the Siemens process, which is still the most common in the sector despite the existence of other nonstandardized techniques (Miquel, 2009), releases chlorosilanes especially silane gas and silane tetrachloride (SiCl 4 ). Silane gas is extremely explosive, which is potentially dangerous both for workers and the community surrounding manufacturing sites. Fatal explosions have been reported in Germany (1976), Taiwan (2005) and India (2007) (Ngai, 2010). As for SiCl 4 , it is a potent eye and lung irritant that can also affect the central nervous system. It reacts with water and can lead to skin burns and no carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity studies have been performed so far (Right To Know, 2010). This same gas is the cause of various irritative symptoms observed in the residents of a Chinese village in the Henan province, some 50 meters from a polycrystalline silicon cell plant (Cha, 2008). Cutting solar-grade silicon ingots into plates exposes workers to silica dust (kurf) that can induce breathing problems due to overexposure despite the use of protective masks (Yassin et al., 2005). Other non specific chemicals are also involved in the manufacturing process including sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid or hydrofluoric acid, and pose potential risks to workers. It is therefore important for the following two priorities to be applied in order to adjust the accelerated development of the market: a) review the manufacturing processes for emission-reducing technology (abatement technologies), b) carry out or complete the appropriate risk analyses of all potentially toxic compounds with great transparency from manufacturers.
In terms of potential risks to public health, thin film technologies are no exception. The risks are still poorly documented for copper indium selenide and its alloy copper indium gallium selenide but two compounds that are particularly irritating to eyes and lungs are still being handled, namely hydrogen selenide and selenium dioxide (Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry [ATSDR], 2003). Indium is also problematic as it can induce various diseases including lung cancer and reprotoxic and embryotoxic effects and remains without a standard toxicological reference value (Nakano, 2009). Technologies using cadmium telluride (CdTe) generate some controversy for two main reasons: a) the presence of cadmium (Cd), a metal classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, 1997) and b) little documentation exists about the extent of their particularly chronic potential toxicity (Norwegian Geotechnical Institute [NGI], 2010). These concerns also include emerging CdTe and CdSe-based solar nanotechnologies (Peyrot et al., 2009;Werlin et al., 2011). The other element worth considering is the limited number of manufacturers using CdTe, which limits the scope of studies based mainly on data supplied by the manufacturers. The sector handling cadmium salts suffers from a confusion of nomenclature (Classification & Labelling [C&L]) since the physical and chemical properties of Cd salts are quite different from Cd just as the nanoparticles of cadmium salts differ from Cd salts in a thin layer (Fraunhofer Institute, 2010;NGI, 2010). However, this controversy does not seem to have influenced the Council of the European Union, which will maintain exception concerning Cd use in PV modules in RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) so that the ambitious targets set by the EU for renewable energy and energy efficiency can be achieved (Council of the European Union, 2011b). Nevertheless, current data attribute a lower acute toxicity to CdTe than to elemental Cd (Zayed & Philippe, 2009). Toxicity studies of CdTe nanoparticles are contradictory and inconclusive at this time although the nanocrystals' small size would be a priori more damaging thus high cytotoxicity is suspected (Su et al., 2010). During the operation of CdTe solar panels, the risk of emission in case of breakage or fire would be considered negligible (Steinberger, 1997, as cited in Nieuwlaar & Aselma, 1997Fthenakis, 2003;Fthenakis et al., 2005b, Raugei & Fthenakis, 2010. Optimistic findings concerning the risk of CdTe emission in case of fire should be reviewed since, although established according to standard procedures, they were provided on the basis of flame temperatures between 750 and 900°C. However, in building fires where temperatures in the thermal plume are between 600 and 1,000°C, those in the flame can reach 2,000°C (Fraunhofer Gay & Wizenne, 2010). Since the risk of emission in case of accident is not clearly defined, better protection of workers responsible for installation and maintenance of PV systems is required. The dismantling and recycling of PV systems can be problematic because of the potential risks associated with handling hazardous toxic compounds, especially polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used as flame retardants including inverters incorporated into photovoltaic systems (SVTC, 2009). The potential toxicity of PBDEs such as the carcinogenic risk due to bioaccumulation in the body is not yet clarified (ATSDR, 2004).
Other major health concerns inherent in the PV industry are to be considered in the tally of potential risks to human health. These are the risks associated with manufacturing and recycling processes for lead batteries, which involve handling a number of hazardous compounds such as, in addition to lead, heavy metals harmful to the central nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems, sodium nitrite, sulphur dioxide, arsenic and sulphuric acid (Vest, 2002).

Environmental impacts
Throughout the life cycle, the PV industry can generate potentially toxic compounds, either during normal production or during accidental situations that could be released into the atmosphere, in solid or liquid effluents. The possible consequences would include alterations in the quality of the air, the soil and the water, with potential impacts on biota (Electric Power Research Institute, 2003;SVTC, 2009).
The vast majority of the studies on ecotoxicity and potential environmental impacts essentially pertain to the plant manufacturing phases, whereas little data is available with respect to the possible direct emissions or releases during operation as well as during the dismantling, the processing of waste and the recycling of the solar panels.
In terms of atmospheric emissions, the principal pollutants are essentially sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and certain heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium or mercury (Fthenakis, 2009;SVTC, 2009). Table 3 compares the average SOx and NOx atmospheric emissions from PV systems to those from various fossil fuels used to produce electricity. The results provide eloquent evidence that PV systems are clearly advantageous comparing to various fossil fuels. The data concerning PV systems varies according to the technologies used, the energy performances of the solar cells, the capacities of the systems, the impact assessment methods used and, therefore, the databases used. The PV industry also produces ammonia emissions (NH 3 ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (Pehnt, 2006;Fthenakis et al., 2010), but the existing data cannot be used to provide a rigorous comparative assessment. If there is a stage that could be crucial for the PV industry, it would be the end of the systems' lifecycle. Indeed, this could be the source of environmental and ecotoxicity concerns. In fact, the potentially toxic materials involved throughout the life cycle could be found, as a result of a routine or accidental release, in the solid and/or liquid effluents that could contaminate the soil and aquatic environments (Electric Power Research Institute, 2003;SVTC, 2009). The emerging technologies require just as much vigilance as a result of the shortage of current ecotoxicological data, which would invite more refined investigations in the future in order to keep up with the growing dynamics of the market. The cadmium-based PV industry is specifically concerned since the current data seems to indicate that CdTe nanoparticles have the potential of bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms (Peyrot et al., 2009) and there is a possible bioamplification of CdSe nanoparticles (Werlin et al., 2011). Overall, there is a consensus that the evaluations performed to date seem to give the PV industry much more credit than fossil fuels, but the fragmentary nature of the results indicate that more in-depth investigation is required.

Sustainable development: Issues and prospects
The current vitality of the photovoltaic sector is taking place in a context marked by the need to review energy policies given both the increasing spectre and the growing number of the obvious consequences of climate change. In fact, the current policies serve only to draw sombre and unfavourable prognoses, resulting in particular from a lack of balance between a high rate of energy consumption and a problematic supply of conventional fossil energies associated with highly volatile prices and market instability (Bradford, 2006;Labouret & Villoz, 2009). The current concept of sustainable development is positioned as an enlightened response to major concerns, based on the fact that it reconciles, inasmuch as possible, three parameters which have been completely divergent to date: the economic efficiency, the social equity and the socio-economic development and, finally, the preservation of the ecosystems. The compromises sought through sustainable development require the implementation of several complex actions focussed on a fundamental objective: to ensure a balance between the energy offer and demand for current generations while respecting the resilience of the biosphere. It is, therefore, a response to real, current concerns that could compromise the wellbeing of future generations (International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2006). Applied to the energy sector, such actions involve the implementation of strategies that are essentially corrective in nature and are part of a dynamic process based on the guiding principal of using renewable natural resources. Given this more functional vision and, based on the economic, health, safety and environmental profiles of PVs, as assessed and presented throughout the chapter, it is possible to provide an overall appreciation of the extent to which the photovoltaic industry respects different principles of sustainable development, inspired by those defined by the Ministry of the Environment of the Province of Québec, Canada (MDDEP, n.d.). This assessment is based on the current state of knowledge for an industrial sector extremely fertile in terms of technical and technological developments. Table 4 aligns the PV industry with several principles of sustainable development. It can be considered as a barometer of human and equitable sustainable development. It also summarizes the extent to which different principles of sustainable development are respected. Although the results may be considered favourable, recommendations are issued in order to enhance the respect for the various principles. Despite the universality of the sun as a resource and the fact that it is inexhaustible and safe, there are still many issues. Whether they are technical or technological, they will require a solid political focussing on subsidy systems and financial accessibility, strong programs to integrate photovoltaic systems in buildings, and administrative flexibility to ensure that the sector is dynamic (Bradford, 2006; EPIA/Greenpeace, 2011). Moreover, a major issue concerns the social acceptability of PV systems, not only as a source of reliable energy but also as a system that can easily accompany daily life at a reasonable cost, while being integrated into local architecture without major visual impacts. www.intechopen.com

Several principles
Level of adherence Recommendations Economic efficiency

Average
Price of solar electricity still not competitive.
To increase efforts in research and development, standardization of manufacturing procedures, more encouraging redemption policies, better penetration of PV systems, development of smart grids, longlasting batteries.

Health and safety
Average to good Possible accidents, reduction of GHG, toxic substances.
To increase occupational health and safety, technological innovations, reduction even elimination of potentially toxic compounds, policy to reduce emissions and spills, emission control, performance of exhaustive risk analyses.

Good to very good
No eco-visibility, good integration in space.
To reduce hybrid systems using diesel generators.

Average
Use of potentially toxic components.
To refine the assessment of the life cycle.
Organization of the waste management and recycling sector.

Subsidiarity/ delegation
Average Administrative processes still difficult.
To implement a one-stop-shop system to facilitate administrative procedures.

Equity and social solidarity
Average to good Solar resource ubiquitous; onerous systems.
To generalize rural electrification in developing countries.

Average to good
There is little documentation about certain emissions.
Technological innovation to limit the use of fossil energy and raw materials, increased contribution of manufacturers and better organization of the photovoltaic sector.

Average
Clearly advantageous compared to fossil energies, lack of data about emissions, waste and recycling.
Reduction of potentially toxic compounds, more elaborate analyses of toxicological and ecotoxicological risks. Table 4. Aligning the photovoltaic industry with the principles of sustainable development The informed acceptance of the public, including the public authorities, would have a definitive impact on the decision-making powers (Hirschl, 2005). Information, awareness raising and education would serve to optimize the understanding, reception and adaption of PV systems.

Conclusion
Despite the fact that photovoltaic conversion is still under developed, it is certainly a technology that will progress in a sustained manner since the prospects of this technology are favourable and appealing. Generating few or no greenhouse gases during the operating stage, producing no sound pollution, able to be integrated both aesthetically and functionally into the urban landscape, it should generate more interest and surpass, in an intelligent manner, the technical and technological limitations. It is crucial to back research and development on persistent considerations to potential health effects and environmental impacts. This is also a means for driving progress in a sector that has already reached the boiling point. Humankind, which absolutely must deal with the depletion of fossil resources and the increasingly obvious consequences of greenhouse gas emissions, has neither the means nor the time to waffle. The conciliation of the photovoltaic industry with the principles of sustainable development, its integration in the clean energy mix, based on social acceptability and international solidarity are obvious requirements. PV conversion should be able to develop an advantageous place both in the global energy landscape and in the urban landscape while being the preferred candidate for energy equity despite the unequal distribution of solar layer around the globe.