Sustainability and Circularity Challenges in the Spanish Photovoltaic Value Chain: A System‐Level Assessment Through the Infinite Framework

Evidence on photovoltaic (PV) sustainability and circularity remains fragmented across individual life‐cycle stages. This study examines the Spanish PV value chain from a system‐level perspective using the Infinite Framework, integrating value‐chain mapping, stakeholder assessment, hotspot analysis, and intervention development. The analysis combines literature, industry and policy sources, and expert consultation. Findings identify energy‐intensive manufacturing, critical‐material dependency, production concentration, and limited supply‐chain transparency as major upstream challenges. As the Spanish PV sector expands, grid integration, operation and maintenance, lifetime extension, reuse, traceability, and end‐of‐life management become increasingly important. Three strategic priorities emerge for Spain: improving system integration and operational performance, developing value‐preserving and circular pathways for modules and components, and strengthening governance and traceability. Key trade‐offs involve deployment versus system integration, technological upgrading versus lifetime extension, and resilience versus short‐term cost competitiveness. Overall, coordinated system‐level interventions across the value chain, supported by coherent governance mechanisms, are necessary for sustainable PV development.