Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Crystalline Silicon Glass-Sheet based PV Modules and Plastic PV Modules

Sakthi Guhan Somasundaram, Xitong Zhu, Angele Reinders

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
2 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A comparative life cycle assessment between plastic PV modules and conventional crystalline silicon glass-sheet based PV modules, shows environmental benefits for plastic PV modules. Plastic PV modules are produced by encapsulating crystalline silicon cells in polymeric materials. Using GaBi software, several LCA models were developed. When considering PV module's production location, GHG emissions for China were 2 times higher than Europe. With China as the production location, the GHG emissions for conventional and plastic PV modules during the production phases were 46 and 45 gCO2eq/kWh respectively. During the disposal phase, carbon dioxide emissions were 57% lower for plastic PV modules.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2022 IEEE 49th Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, PVSC 2022
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages489-496
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-7281-6117-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Nov 2022
Event49th IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, PVSC 2022 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: 5 Jun 202210 Jun 2022
Conference number: 49

Conference

Conference49th IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, PVSC 2022
Abbreviated titlePVSC 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period5/06/2210/06/22

Keywords

  • environmental impact
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • life cycle assessment
  • photovoltaic modules
  • plastic encapsulant

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