Social cost factors and the development of photovoltaic energy systems

Abstract

This report presents the results of a social cost evaluation of three prospective photovoltaic electricity supply technologies. The technologies-based on cadmium sulfide, silicon, and gallium arsenide--are compared with each other and with coal in three categories of direct social impacts: occupational and public health and environmental effects. Indirect impacts, due to opportunity costs and benefits, or to health or other effects of use of material, labor or energy itself, are also considered. Special attention is given to regulatory issues that will arise in connection with these social costs and to their potential importance to government programs and commercial development.