Life Cycle Considerations for Monocrystalline Photovoltaics in Thailand

Abstract

Electricity from solar photovoltaics (PV) is gaining attention in Thailand, since the Ministry of Energy set forth targets to produce 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2021. Monocrystalline PV (mc-Si), the most energy-conversion efficient type photovoltaic module, is widespread as a solar technology in Thailand. Understanding the potential greenhouse gas emission reductions is increasingly important for evaluating renewable energies. This paper evaluates different parameters from a life cycle perspective that affect climate change mitigation. The primary objectives are to quantify the different life cycle effects on resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for electricity produced by mc-Si panels for grid-connected systems in Thailand. The study considers the effects of energy efficiency measures, location of production, installation, building-integrated options, and climatic effects. A life cycle assessment suggested that monocrystalline panels can generate electricity with approximately ten times fewer GHG emissions than Thailand’s average electricity mix. The inclusion of building-integrated applications reduces the life cycle impact even further by a factor of 3. With potential for significant GHG emission reductions, mc-Si PV grid-connected electricity production can serve as a possible climate change mitigation strategy for Thailand. This paper outlines the ways that different parameters can alter life cycle GHG emission results.
Keywords:life cycle thinking, monocrystalline PV, climate change mitigation, Thailand.