Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Crystalline Silicon Glass-Sheet based PV Modules and Plastic PV Modules

A comparative life cycle assessment between plastic PV modules and conventional crystalline silicon glass-sheet based PV modules, shows environmental benefits for plastic PV modules. Plastic PV modules are produced by encapsulating crystalline silicon cells in polymeric materials. Using GaBi software, several LCA models were developed. When considering PV module's production location, GHG emissions for China were 2 times higher than Europe. With China as the production location, the GHG emissions for conventional and plastic PV modules during the production phases were 46 and 45 gCO2eq/kWh respectively. During the disposal phase, carbon dioxide emissions were 57% lower for plastic PV modules.