LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS - RESULTS OF SWISS STUDIES ON ENERGY CHAINS

The methodology used and results obtained for grid-connected photovolt aic (PV) plants in recent Swiss life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies on current and future energy systems are discussed Mono- and polycrystal line silicon cell technologies utilized in current panels as well as m onocrystalline and amorphous cells for future applications were analys ed for Swiss conditions. The environmental inventories of slanted-roof solar panels and large plants are presented. Greenhouse gas emissions from present and future electricity systems are compared The high ele ctricity requirements for manufacturing determine most of the environm ental hardens associated with current photovoltaics. However, due to i ncreasing efficiency of production processes and cells, the environmen tal performance of PV systems is likely to improve substantially in th e future. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.