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Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department
at Portland State University
We are committed to enhancing our environmental performance of solar photovoltaics!
Our group specializes in conducting comprehensive sustainability assessments of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, focusing on their integration with cross-functional applications. We employ advanced methodologies such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to evaluate both the environmental and economic impacts of solar PV systems. Our research is geared toward supporting the large-scale implementation of these technologies, ensuring their alignment with global sustainability goals.
Our team has also focused on end-of-life (EOL) management strategies to enhance circularity and reduce environmental burdens. By addressing critical aspects such as recycling, material recovery, and waste reduction, we aim to contribute to the sustainable design and deployment of next-generation PV systems.
Through our innovative approach, we provide actionable insights and recommendations to advance the adoption of solar PV technologies across diverse applications, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
News
News
Achyuth Ravilla Receives Postdoctoral Research Opportunity
We are pleased to share that Achyuth Ravilla's new position will begin at the University of Maine (UMaine) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. In this role, Achyuth will contribute to advanced life cycle assessment (LCA) research, with a primary focus on composite materials. His essential duties and responsibilities include:
Conducting in-depth LCA studies related to composite materials used in civil and environmental applications.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams to evaluate the environmental impacts of innovative materials and technologies.
Supporting ongoing research projects and contributing to the development of peer-reviewed publications.
This position aligns with Achyuth's commitment to sustainable engineering and his expertise in environmental impact assessment.
MRS Fall meeting 2024 - Juan Herrera
MRS Fall meeting 2024 - Juan Herrera
I’m excited to share that I recently presented my poster titled "Environmental Sustainability of Different Recycling Approaches for Perovskite Solar Cells" at the Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall Meeting in Boston.
Our study focused on evaluating and comparing the environmental impacts of various recycling methods for perovskite solar cells through a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework. The insights gained from this research highlight key opportunities for advancing sustainability in perovskite photovoltaic recycling technologies.
I want to give a special thanks to Dr. Ilke Celik for her exceptional guidance and support. I also want to thank my amazing research team—Jules Freeman and Achyuth Ravilla—for their collaboration and support. This work would not have been possible without you all!
What’s Next?
Stay tuned! We will soon publish a paper detailing this research's findings and implications for sustainable materials science.
Thank you to the MRS community for providing such an inspiring platform for sharing ideas and connecting with brilliant minds in the field. Let’s continue to innovate for a sustainable future!
Achyuth Ravilla successfully defended his PhD
Achyuth Ravilla successfully defended his PhD
On November 4th (2024), Achyuth defended his dissertation and completed PhD degree. Congrats Dr. Ravilla!
Achyuth dissertation evaluates the economic and environmental performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies integrated into cross-functional applications, including agrivoltaics, lower-dimensional materials, and hydrogen generation via water-splitting. Through life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA), it explores the viability of these innovations in achieving sustainability goals. Agrivoltaic systems demonstrate both economic and environmental advantages over conventional PV systems, enhancing land-use efficiency by combining energy and food production. Integrating lower-dimensional materials—such as graphene, black phosphorus, and reduced graphene oxide—into perovskite PV cells significantly reduces environmental impacts and shortens the energy payback period compared to commercial PV technologies. Additionally, coupling PV with electrochemical water-splitting systems offers a low-cost, environmentally superior approach to green hydrogen production, surpassing other clean hydrogen technologies. These insights contribute to the development of scalable, sustainable PV applications, supporting the transition toward a carbon-neutral future.
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