Ground-mounted or residential rooftop photovoltaic plant − European production or Chinese production: which is the most environmentally sustainable system?

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Ground-mounted or residential rooftop photovoltaic plant − European production or Chinese production: which is the most environmentally sustainable system?

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#Photovoltaics #Renewable Energy

Publications - Paper

Ground-mounted or residential rooftop photovoltaic plant − European production or Chinese production: which is the most environmentally sustainable system?

The analysis aims to understand the environmental benefit introduced by the production of 1 kWh through two different plants configuration. In addition, to assess the influence of the energy mix used in the manufacture of the PV components on the LCA results, two different production sites are explored.

The study focuses on the potential environmental impact generated by PV energy production through two types of plants (utility-scale and rooftop) and considers two different energy mixes (European and Chinese) for the manufacturing of PV components (mono-Si ingot, wafer, cell and module), in order to analyze different scenarios and support the decision makers.

The impacts are evaluated by considering the entire life cycle of the plant (from raw materials acquisition to PV plant decommissioning and disposal of materials) and several impact categories. According to the results, the utility-scale PV plant appears beneficial with respect to the rooftop PV plant.

Concerning the energy mix, the outcomes highlight its relevant influence on the results; moving the entire silicon value chain to the European continent, whose electricity mix is characterized by a higher percentage of renewable energy instead of Chinese electricity mix, provides a remarkable increase in the environmental performances.

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Integrated High Efficiency Photovoltaic Project (Photovoltaics)

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#Photovoltaics #Renewable Energy

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Publications - Paper

Ground-mounted or residential rooftop photovoltaic plant − European production or Chinese production: which is the most environmentally sustainable system?

Publications - Paper

Ground-mounted or residential rooftop photovoltaic plant − European production or Chinese production: which is the most environmentally sustainable system?

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