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This whitepaper, produced within the CACTUS project (Grant Agreement n°101132182) WP5 - “Sustainability” - explores the sustainability of solar-related research infrastructure (RI) platforms, focusing on both environmental and social assessment guidelines for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The report aims to contribute to the green energy transition in Europe and Latin American Countries (LAC) by evaluating existing tools and providing guidelines on the methodologies that evaluate the reliability and bankability of solar technologies, while ensuring their environmental and social sustainability. A central theme of the analysis is the long-term durability and bankability of PV systems. The analysis emphasizes the importance of module stability for consistent energy production and investor confidence. It introduces the Performance Loss Rate (PLR) as a key metric for assessing degradation, drawing on large-scale outdoor datasets and recent literature (e.g., Louwen et al., 2024). The findings show that mono- and polycrystalline silicon modules tend to have lower performance losses compared to other technologies, and that losses are typically higher in the initial years of operation. The report also discusses the limitations of current datasets, which are often skewed toward temperate climates, and calls for broader data collection to improve the accuracy of climate-dependent performance assessments. In parallel, the report reviews physics-based empirical models (such as Kaaya et al., 2019) that predict PV module degradation based on environmental stressors. These models allow for location-specific estimates of service lifetime and failure rates, though they currently exclude some degradation mechanisms and system-level losses. The analysis concludes that integrating data-driven and modelbased approaches, supported by comprehensive outdoor data, is essential for robust, climate-adapted performance predictions. Environmental sustainability is addressed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the standard methodology for evaluating the environmental footprint of PV systems across their entire lifecycle. The report references international standards (ISO 14040/44), sector guidelines (IEA PVPS), and European frameworks (PEFCRs), noting that most LCAs lack regional specificity and often overlook the unique challenges of extreme environments. The analysis was made with the external support of University of Antofagasta, engaged to primary data for degradation mechanisms and stress factor in the Atacama Desert, which was taken as a case study for the environmental assessment. In the desertic case study, it was highlighted the need for adapted PV designs (e.g., UV-resistant materials, anti-soiling coatings) and the significant impact of operations and maintenance (O&M) activities in harsh climates. The analysis also compares legislative frameworks for PV waste management in Europe and Chile, underscoring the importance of context-specific end-of-life strategies. On the social dimension, the report applies UNEP guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), using a participatory approach to select and prioritize social indicators relevant to the PV sector. The methodology considers the influence of geographical context on social risks, data quality, and stakeholder priorities, and employs survey techniques to capture expert perspectives. The findings highlight the need for harmonized social assessment frameworks and more consistent methodologies to guide responsible material sourcing, manufacturing, and deployment of PV technologies. Finally, the report adapts EU RINFRA guidelines for the PV sector, recommending the creation of a common, open database for technical, environmental, and socio-economic data, the harmonization of testing protocols and environmental evaluation methods, the connection to global networks, and equitable access to research infrastructures for all stakeholders. Strategic coordination between science, industry, and policy is identified as key to supporting EU climate goals and enhancing global competitiveness. In conclusion, the report stresses the importance of reliable, geographically contextualized LCA inventories and harmonized social assessment methodologies as essential for accurate sustainability evaluations of PV systems. It also calls for expanded data sharing, development of location-specific guidelines, and stronger collaboration across research infrastructures, industry, and policy to accelerate sustainable innovation and support the energy transition in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals