Multiobjective optimization of large scale photovoltaic (PV) systems design: Technico-economic and life-cycle assessment considerations

Solar energy systems are a source of "clean" energy. Yet, if power generation from photovoltaic (PV) systems is free from fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a considerable amount of energy is consumed in the manufacturing and transport of the elements of the system. Silicon is currently the most widely used material for solar cell design. In this context, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies play a major role to compare and analyze the environmental impacts of products and services along their life cycle. This work aims at determining a general methodology for designing large scale photovoltaic systems, taking into account both technico-economic and environmental considerations. In this paper, only the environmental issue tackled by Life Cycle Assessment has been implemented to quantify the environmental impacts related to three technology of crystalline silicon for photovoltaic modules (PV) that are monocrystalline, multicrystalline and ribbon silico