Is there a new LCI for crystalline silicon PV systems?

In late 2020, IEA PVPS released an updated LCI for PV systems that contains updates for crystalline silicon PV technology reflecting the year 2018, while some information, such as the amounts of auxiliary materials, are still based on 2011 .

Why do crystalline silicon panels have higher efficiencies?

Higher efficiencies are produced by innovative cell designs and material and energy inventories that are different from those in the production of average crystalline silicon panels. On the other hand, higher efficiencies result to lower system environmental footprints as the system area on a kW basis is smaller.

Do life cycle inventories reduce emissions in PV module production?

The comparison of the most commonly used life cycle inventories (LCIs) (Ecoinvent v3.7 and PVPS 2015 ) with this study reveals the significant achievements in emission reduction in PV module production in the last 10 years.

Why is single crystalline silicon preferred over multi-crystalline silicon?

Single-crystalline silicon was chosen over multi-crystalline silicon as it is the leading polysilicon feedstock with a market share of 65% in 2019 and expected market share of 80% by 2030 .

How does IEA PVPS work with MG-silicon production?

This approach diverges from IEA PVPS Task 12's approach for regional inventories in their 2015 LCI , which models European MG-silicon production with Norwegian electricity and European polysilicon purification with a high share of hydropower but applies the average Chinese electricity mix throughout the entire Chinese production chain.

Are Sc-Si PV systems based on old data?

As this study uses state-of-the-art industry data concerning cell efficiency, wafer thickness, kerfloss, energy and material requirements during production, its results are considerably lower than previous LCAs of sc-Si PV systems that rely on older data.