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Environmental life-cycle assessment of photovoltaic systems

V. Fthenakis*,; M. Raugei    * Columbia University, New York, NY, United States Photovoltaic Environmental Research Center, Upton, NY, United States Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of a well-established life-cycle assessment methodology adopted by analysts in 14 countries which have been collaborating under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA). Based on actual photovoltaic (PV) life-cycle materials and energy inventory data, estimates of energy payback times (EPBT), energy return on energy investment (EROI) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were made; those are indicative of PV performance in early 2010; ...

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