Carbon footprint associated with a mono‐Si cell photovoltaic ceramic roof tile system

Abstract

Photovoltaic roof tiles are aesthetic ceramic roof tiles with integrated photovoltaic solar panels, which could present economic, energy‐related or environmental characteristics that hinder their implementation. The objective of this study is to calculate the carbon footprint associated with a residential electricity supply system based on photovoltaic roof tiles, and compare with a photovoltaic panel‐based system. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to quantify the carbon footprint using the SimaPro 8.4.0.0 software, Ecoinvent database, and IPCC 2013 GWP 100y environmental impact assessment method. Considering the design of a 0.52 kWp system, 1160 kg of CO2‐eq was emitted when photovoltaic mono‐Si roof tiles were installed, compared to 950 kg CO2‐eq for a traditional photovoltaic panel system. A sensitivity analysis verified that utilization of poly‐Si yielded a carbon footprint of 822 kg CO2‐eq but its inherent lower space‐efficiency was an issue, as a larger surface is required (which is not possible with roof tiles, rendering this option not viable). Despite the slightly unfavorable results presented herein, other strategies could be adopted to further reduce the overall carbon footprint of the building, as the use of photovoltaic roof tiles is better accepted from an architectural perspective as it harmonizes with the surroundings. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13120, 2019

LCA and Scenario Analysis of Building Carbon Emission Reduction: The Influencing Factors of the Carbon Emission of a Photovoltaic Curtain Wall

“…However, as pointed out, more detailed research is needed to better understand the specific factors contributing to carbon emissions in different aspects of the construction industry. Furthermore, current research on photovoltaic curtain walls, such as Wu et al [10], Li et al [11], and Carvalho et al [12], is still in its infancy, many of who evaluate its performance and economy but rarely involve relevant research on the factors related to carbon emission reduction throughout its life cycle. In addition, there is a lack of relevant research on influencing factors of the carbon reduction effect of photovoltaic buildings.…”

Urban Pruning Waste: Carbon Footprint Associated With Energy Generation and Prospects for Clean Development Mechanisms

“…LCA is a methodology that evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with a product, service or activity, throughout its life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials, including processing, manufacture, transportation, use and fi nal disposal (Guinée 2002, Araújo et al, 2018Coelho Junior et al, 2018). Improvements in a process can reduce adverse eff ects throughout its life cycle -which can infl uence positively, negatively (or both) the environmental performance of goods and services (Carvalho et al, 2016;Freire et al, 2016;Abrahão and Carvalho, 2018;Carvalho et al, 2019a;Carvalho et al, 2019b). Cortez (2011) mentioned that there are scarce reports on the large-scale use of urban pruning waste (for energy purposes or not), and listed the reuse as fi rewood and charcoal production as disposal scenarios.…”