Cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of a photovoltaic–diesel hybrid system: the case of an industrial facility

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the environmental benefits associated with the implementation of a solar PV system to complement the conventional Electricité Du Liban/genset electrical system for the delivery of energy to an industrial facility. The selected case study is a juice manufacturing industrial facility located in Lebanon. Its energy demand is 6000 MWh/year. The components of the PV/hybrid energy system are the following: one 420 modules PV generator, seven three-phase grid-dependent inverters, three 1000 kW generators and one 500 kW generator. The ecoinvent database is used to model the life cycle inventory, and the IMPACT 2002+ methodology is used for the life cycle impact assessment. Results show at the assembly level that the manufacturing of the photovoltaic modules, mounting system components, inverters and cables results in harmful emissions that increase the system’s environmental impacts. However, a comparative analysis between the entire life cycle of the PV/hybrid system and the conventional system indicates that the incorporation of the photovoltaic system results in a reduction in environmental impacts across all categories. The end-of-life scenario comprises landfilling/incineration and recycling of the components. Results show that the end-of-life stage poses a minor contribution to the overall life cycle impacts.