A path to reduce variability of the environmental footprint results of photovoltaic systems. (1st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gazbour, Nouha; Razongles, Guillaume; Monnier, Elise; Joanny, Maryline; Charbuillet, Carole; Burgun, Françoise; Schaeffer, Christian
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 197(2018)Part 1
• Page Start: 1607
• Page End: 1618
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01
• Subjects: Photovoltaic -- Environmental footprint -- Life cycle assessment -- Update -- Criticality -- Variability; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.06.276
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: With the ecological transition, there is a rapid growing interest in better understanding the environmental profile of photovoltaic (PV) systems, seen today as clean renewable energy. Nevertheless, published Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of PV systems exhibit significant differences in their assumptions and methodological choices, as well as their resulting outcomes. Such variability makes it difficult to take energy policy decisions. The goal of this study is to identify factors promoting this variability in order to reduce it. To this end, studies, methodological choices, data quality and defined assumptions were analyzed from 30 published crystalline LCA PV to recognize critical PV parameters (solar irradiation, efficiency, etc.) in an LCA study. As a result of this analysis, a big variability was identified in the choice of the system boundary, functional unit and impact categories, which may influence the interpretation of the obtained results. Through a criticality analysis, the solar irradiation was the main critical parameter in a PV LCA study with 41% of criticality rate followed by the lifetime and the module efficiency with 20% and 17% respectively. Concerning the data quality to model the system, the results showed a significant impact of the electricity mix: carbon footprint of a PV system is twice higher with Chinese mix than with the European mix. In conclusion, the variability of LCA PV studies is essentially due to dynamic parameters previously mentioned that evolve continuously with the evolution of PV. Then, for reliable LCA results in the future, these paper uncovered recommendations helping to define the appropriate assumptions taking into account the dynamic aspect of the PV systems parameters. Highlights: Key assumptions of 30 crystalline PV LCA studies have been analyzed. LCA is highly sensitive to solar irradiation, electricity mix and module efficiency. Main critical parameters in an PV LCA study have been identified. Recommendations on PV parameters are provided to enhance reliability. LCA should consider the predominance of the Eastern Asia for the PV production.