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Energy Payback Time and CO2 Emissions of 1.2 kWp Photovoltaic Roof-Top System in Brazil

Author(s): S. H. Fukurozakia,b*, R. Zillesa, I. L. Sauera
a Institute of Electrothecnics and Energy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
b Nuclear Power and Energy  Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, vol. 2, no. 2, May 2013: pp. 164–169
ISSN: 2315-4462
Digital Object Identifier: 10.12720/sgce.2.2.164-169  

Abstract: The energy requirements for the production of photovoltaic (PV) panel and balance of system components are analyzed in order to evaluate the energy payback time and CO2 emissions of a 1.2 PV roof top system in Brazil. The single crystalline panel technology is investigated by using life cycle assessment methodology. It considers mass and energy flows over the whole production process, starting from metallurgical silicon production to the electric generation. Assuming seven different national geographic conditions, cumulative energy demand (CED), energy yield, energy payback time (EPBT) and CO2 emissions rates are calculated. As result it is found that the EPBT is 2.47 – 3.13 years and CO2 emissions rate is 14.54 – 18.68 g de CO2 eq/kWh for present day roof-top mounted installations.
Keywords: Photovoltaic rooftop system, energy payback time, CO2 emissions, life cycle assessment

Full Paper.pdf

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