This study performs a life-cycle assessment for a photovoltaic (PV) system with multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) modules in China. It considers the primary energy demand, energy payback time (EPBT), and en. ••LCA is conducted on the multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems in. Solar energy is the most abundant and the most widely distributed renewable energy in the world. With advances in technology and reduction in production cost (Li et al., 2009), solar pow. 2.1. System boundary and descriptionThe goal of this study was to quantitatively assess the life-cycle environmental impacts of PV systems in China and provide a scientific basis fo. 3.1. Primary energy demand and energy payback time (EPBT)Based on the data collected in China and with the help of GaBi, the total primary energy demand f. 4.1. Comparison with other power generation systems in ChinaThe Chinese power generation capacity came from coal-fired power (72.31%), hydropower (21.9.
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Are China's multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules associated with international trade?
We performed a life-cycle environmental assessment of China's multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules associated with international trade. The study distinguished domestic and imported raw materials for PV modules within the framework of a life-cycle assessment based on traditional processes.
Why is LCA conducted on multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems in China?
LCA is conducted on the multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems in China. Multi-Si production is the most contributor to the energy demand and environmental impacts. Compared to other power generation systems in China, PV system is more environmentally friendly. Areas with higher solar radiation are more suitable for installing PV systems.
What is crystalline silicon?
Crystalline silicon or (c-Si) is the crystalline forms of silicon, either polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si, consisting of small crystals), or monocrystalline silicon (mono-Si, a continuous crystal). Crystalline silicon is the dominant semiconducting material used in photovoltaic technology for the production of solar cells.
What is the demand for multi-crystalline silicon in the Chinese PV industry?
Approximately 52% of the demand for this silicon in the Chinese PV industry is met by imports. The environmental impacts and energy consumption of this silicon manufacturing are different for sources in which the technology of imported multi-crystalline silicon is more advanced and greener than that used to produce such silicon in China.
Is multi-crystalline silicon a key raw material in the Chinese PV module industry?
Multi-crystalline silicon is a key imported raw material in that industry. According to the market share of assumed to be produced in China. Scenario 3 accounts for the full picture of the Chinese PV module industry. Based on PV industry used in the Chinese PV module industry in 201 0 ( Table 8 ). 2.4. Data source and assumptions
There are many different methods to pro- Siemens process. This process is frequently used to produce this silicon in China. The process requires consumption of large amounts of electrical power and steam during production. As by the Chinese PV industry comes from imports. The principal crystalline silicon are listed in Table 4. 2.2.4.