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Eco-Energetical Life Cycle Assessment of Materials and Components of Photovoltaic Power Plant

Author

Listed:
  • Izabela Piasecka

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Piotrowska

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland)

  • Andrzej Tomporowski

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

Abstract

During the conversion of solar radiation into electricity, photovoltaic installations do not emit harmful compounds into the environment. However, the stage of production and post-use management of their elements requires large amounts of energy and materials. Therefore, this publication was intended to conduct an eco-energy life cycle analysis of photovoltaic power plant materials and components based on the LCA method. The subject of the study was a 1 MW photovoltaic power plant, located in Poland. Eco-indicator 99, CED and IPCC were used as calculation procedures. Among the analyzed elements of the power plant, the highest level of negative impact on the environment was characterized by the life cycle of photovoltaic panels stored at the landfill after exploitation (the highest demand for energy, materials and CO 2 emissions). Among the materials of the power plant distinguished by the highest harmful effect on health and the quality of the environment stands out: silver, nickel, copper, PA6, lead and cadmium. The use of recycling processes would reduce the negative impact on the environment in the context of the entire life cycle, for most materials and elements. Based on the results obtained, guidelines were proposed for the pro-environmental post-use management of materials and elements of photovoltaic power plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Izabela Piasecka & Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos & Katarzyna Piotrowska & Andrzej Tomporowski, 2020. "Eco-Energetical Life Cycle Assessment of Materials and Components of Photovoltaic Power Plant," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:6:p:1385-:d:333252
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zheng Wang & Jing Wu & Changxin Liu & Gaoxiang Gu, 2017. "Integrated Assessment Models of Climate Change Economics," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-981-10-3945-4, October.
    2. Goe, Michele & Gaustad, Gabrielle, 2014. "Strengthening the case for recycling photovoltaics: An energy payback analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 41-48.
    3. G. J. Treloar & P. E. D. Love & O. O. Faniran & U. Iyer-Raniga, 2000. "A hybrid life cycle assessment method for construction," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(1), pages 5-9.
    4. Almas Heshmati & Shahrouz Abolhosseini & Jörn Altmann, 2015. "The Development of Renewable Energy Sources and its Significance for the Environment," Springer Books, Springer, edition 127, number 978-981-287-462-7, October.
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    5. Patryk Leda & Adam Idzikowski & Izabela Piasecka & Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos & Tomasz Cierlicki & Marcin Zawada, 2023. "Management of Environmental Life Cycle Impact Assessment of a Photovoltaic Power Plant on the Atmosphere, Water, and Soil Environment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-26, May.
    6. Preeti Kumari Sahu & J. N. Roy & Chandan Chakraborty & Senthilarasu Sundaram, 2021. "A New Model for Estimation of Energy Extraction from Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-16, August.
    7. G.-Fivos Sargentis & Paraskevi Siamparina & Georgia-Konstantina Sakki & Andreas Efstratiadis & Michalis Chiotinis & Demetris Koutsoyiannis, 2021. "Agricultural Land or Photovoltaic Parks? The Water–Energy–Food Nexus and Land Development Perspectives in the Thessaly Plain, Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-19, August.
    8. Ying Zhang & Xiaobin Dong & Xuechao Wang & Peng Zhang & Mengxue Liu & Yufang Zhang & Ruiming Xiao, 2023. "The Relationship between the Low-Carbon Industrial Model and Human Well-Being: A Case Study of the Electric Power Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-19, January.

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