High-resolution and localized parametric embodied impact calculator of PV systems
Paper in proceeding, 2023

Buildings are responsible for a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. In order to decarbonize the electricity grid and reduce the environmental impact of the building stock, photovoltaic panels can be installed. However, in order to assess the environmental impact of PVs, the whole life cycle has to be considered including embodied emissions. Several options for photovoltaics exist on the market or are under development including silicon-based panels, thin films, and third generation panels. Currently, many configurations of the panels exist making it difficult to estimate the embodied impact. The goal of this paper is to close this gap by providing a parametric PV carbon calculator for designers and decision-makers. In this study, the embodied impact of different PV types and configurations is assessed. First, the life cycle inventories data and bill of quantities for different generations' panel types are gathered. Second, life cycle impact assessment is performed. The results of the analysis are presented in a form of a software application allowing users to select the panel's composition, e.g., frame and glass type, cell type, encapsulant, etc. The developed application will assist in understanding the impact of choices made in regards to PV systems and will support engineers and architects in the selection of the photovoltaic panels from embodied impact perspective.

Author

Alina Galimshina

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)

Alexander Hollberg

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Technology

Justin McCarty

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)

Christoph Waibel

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)

Arno Schlueter

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)

IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science

17551307 (ISSN) 17551315 (eISSN)

Vol. 1196 1 012014

2023 Sustainable Built Environments: Paving the Way for Achieving the Targets of 2030 and Beyond, SBE23-Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Greece,

Powering the City - Urban Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Singapore-ETH Centre, 2021-04-01 -- 2023-12-31.

Subject Categories

Environmental Analysis and Construction Information Technology

Energy Systems

DOI

10.1088/1755-1315/1196/1/012014

More information

Latest update

1/10/2024