Title:	Energy Payback Time of Photovoltaic Electricity Generated by Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) Solar Modules: A Novel Methodology Proposal
Author(s):	M. Salibi, F. Schönberger, Q. Makolli, E. Bousi, S. Almajali, L. Friedrich
Keywords:	Energy Performance, PERC, Energy Payback Time, Grid Efficiency
Topic:	Photovoltaic Modules and BoS Components
Subtopic:	Sustainability and Recycling
Event:	38th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	4CO.4.5
Pages:	677 - 682
ISBN:	3-936338-78-7
Paper DOI:	10.4229/EUPVSEC20212021-4CO.4.5
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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Renewable energy (RE) capacity is projected to surge to an 85% share of global electricity generation by 2050, the photovoltaic (PV) share specifically is expected to increase from 1% to 22%. Increasing shares of RE in the grid mix will influence energy performance indicators, such as energy payback time (EPBT). To accurately calculate and interpret energy performance indicators, these influences must be captured. In this paper, the IEA PVPS Task 12 methodology to calculate EPBT and non-renewable EPBT (NR-EPBT) is applied. The method is evaluated quantitatively, based on the implications introduced by the grid efficiency parameter. A modified methodology for calculating EPBT (MEPBT is proposed and applied within a range of three global average grid efficiency scenarios. M-EPBTs are found to be significantly lower for all scenarios. In the mid scenario (aGlobal = 33%), M-EPBT values are compared to the respective EPBTs for three installation locations, which are lowered by following magnitudes: -29% for Rio De Janeiro (Brazil), -21% for Ottawa (Canada), and -23% for Catania (Italy). Future EPBT projections until 2050 show that the M-EPBT can represent the expected energy intensity improvements of the PV system and balance of system (BOS) technologies without an altering effect of local grid efficiency at the PV system installation location more effectively.