Life cycle assessment of Solar panel - Mini project using Open LCA to conduct the life cycle assessment of a solar panel

Boussetta A.

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Life cycle assessment of Solar panel - Mini project using Open LCA to conduct the life cycle assessment of a solar panel

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Themes

LCA life cycle assessment, solar panel, objective, scope, life cycle inventory, electricity, environmental impact, manufacturing processes, recycling strategy, impact assessment, limitation, interpretation, field of study, inventory assessment, low carbon, case study

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Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a photovoltaic solar panel, aiming to evaluate its environmental impact across various stages of its life cycle. The assessment considers raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and end-of life disposal. The functional unit is defined as the generation of a specified amount of electricity over the solar panel's expected lifetime.
Results indicate that the manufacturing phase has the highest environmental impact, primarily due to the energy-intensive production of semiconductor materials and the associated emissions. However, the operational phase significantly contributes to overall energy savings and emissions reduction compared to conventional energy sources.
Sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the influence of key variables, such as the solar panel's efficiency, lifespan, and geographic location of use. Additionally, the study explores potential improvements in manufacturing processes and recycling strategies to minimize environmental burdens.
The findings underscore the importance of considering the entire life cycle when evaluating the environmental sustainability of solar panels. This LCA provides valuable insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers to make informed decisions regarding the adoption and improvement of solar energy technologies.

The impact of photovoltaic solar energy on the environment
1. Life Cycle Analysis
2. The method of environmental impact assessment
Case Study
1. The objectives and scope of the study
2. Life cycle inventory
3. Environmental impact assessment
4. Interpretation
5. Limitations

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[...] The findings underscore the importance of considering the entire life cycle when evaluating the environmental sustainability of solar panels. This LCA provides valuable insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers to make informed decisions regarding the adoption and improvement of solar energy technologies. Table of contents Abstract: 1 List of figures : 3 List of tables : 4 Introduction : The impact of photovoltaic solar energy on the environment: Life Cycle Analysis: The method of environmental impact assessment: Defining the objectives and fields of the study: Inventory analysis: Impact assessment: Interpretation: Case Study: The objectives and scope of the study: The Objective of the study: The field of study: Life cycle inventory: Environmental impact assessment: Interpretation: Limitations: 24 Conclusion : 25 Webography: 26 List of figures : Figure illustration of the different stages of life cycle analysis Figure The approach and steps for carrying out a life cycle analysis Figure Demonstration of the inputs and outputs of a product system Figure Illustration of the environmental impact assessment method Figure Statistics in 2021 by the IEA (International Energy Agency) which illustrates the evolution of electricity production by PV systems from 2010 to Figure 6:Diagram demonstrates the system boundaries studied for phtovoltaic panels Figure The life cycle of PV systems based on crystalline silicon Figure illustration of the steps to manufacture a PV module Figure Image shows the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV module Figure 10: Simulation of inputs and outputs to manufacture crystalline silicon (MG-silicon) Figure 11: A model created by OpenLCA which shows the different elementary processes from cradle to grave Figure 12: Histogram illustrates the life cycle phases that cause climate change Figure 13: Histogram produced by OpenLCA illustrates the impact of the manufacturing phase on human health Figure 14: Histogram of terrestrial toxicity shows the environmental impact on ecosystems Figure 15: The impact of land use by PV systems Figure 16: Final illustration of the different environmental impact indicators for each elementary process (raw material, manufacturing, etc.) List of tables : Table The table shows the different main flows (inputs and outputs) to manufacture a monocrystalline PV module Table Table shows the impact indicators for the ReCiPe Midpoint method used in Open LCA Introduction : The increasing global demand for renewable energy sources has prompted a profound exploration into the environmental sustainability of various technologies. [...]

[...] The figure below shows in brief the different elementary processes or the entire life cycle of a crystalline silicon PV system. Figure The life cycle of PV systems based on crystalline silicon. Figure illustration of the steps to manufacture a PV module. So in the study of life cycle analysis is especially in this stage, it is devoted by the collection of data. The identification of inputs and outputs for each elementary process requires a large database, the data collected is through literature and through surveys. [...]

[...] Impact assessment: Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) is a very important stage of LCA during which we transform the flow inventory carried out in the previous stage into a series of clearly identifiable potential impacts. According to the standards currently in force, the following elements are mandatory in the LCIA phase: Selection of impact categories, category indicators and characterization models. Attribution of ICV results to selected impact categories. Calculation of the results of category indicators (characterization). Figure Illustration of the environmental impact assessment method Interpretation: It is the last step during the realization of the LCA, aims to analyze the results and to explain the limits of the inventory and/or the evaluation of the impacts, in order to provide recommendations in a manner as transparent as possible. [...]

[...] Life cycle assessment of Solar panel - Mini project using Open LCA to conduct the life cycle assessment of a solar panel Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a photovoltaic solar panel, aiming to evaluate its environmental impact across various stages of its life cycle. The assessment considers raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and end-oflife disposal. The functional unit is defined as the generation of a specified amount of electricity over the solar panel's expected lifetime. [...]

[...] As we embark on a transformative journey towards a greener energy landscape, this assessment strives to shed light on the intricate interplay between technology, environment, and societal progress The impact of photovoltaic solar energy on the environment: Photovoltaic solar energy, a renewable energy par excellence, is now considered by all as a pillar in the fight against climate change and generally against the degradation of our environment and therefore it contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The PV panel requires the construction and use of equipment to be collected and used by humans. This generates impacts on the environment, of course no human activity is devoid of its share of negative impacts, we must question what in the phases of extraction of the raw material, manufacturing, and installation, can have a negative impact and on the means or techniques to reduce them. [...]

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