Volume 61

Comparative Analysis of Global Warming Potential and Energy Payback Time for Innovative PVT Technologies Iván Acosta-Pazmiño, Bassant Hany Mousa, Ans Imran Shahid, Emeline Roch, João Gomes

Abstract

This study assessed the environmental impact of two novel photovoltaic and thermal (PVT) collector prototypes developed within the PVT4EU project: a polymer-based retrofit solution (V1 PVT-SP) for upgrading existing PV panels, and a low-concentration CPC-based system (V1 PVT-MG) designed for higher-temperature applications up to 140°C. Life cycle assessment following a cradle-to-grave analysis of these collectors using OpenLCA software and Ecoinvent database demonstrated low carbon emissions of 16.51 kg CO₂-eq/m² with 100% water and 18.49 kg CO₂-eq/m² using a 40% glycol-water mixture as HTF, and an EPBT of 1.04 and 1.44 years, respectively, for V1 PVT-SP. Similarly, V1 PVT-MG has a carbon emission of 539.6 kg CO₂-eq/m² and an Energy Payback Time (EPBT) of 6.34 years. The study identifies design improvements for both technologies, emphasizing material optimization, modularity, and supply chain efficiency to enhance sustainability. These findings provide critical insights into advancing PVT systems in resilient energy infrastructures and help policymakers compare PVT systems with conventional energy solutions.

Keywords Photovoltaic-thermal, life cycle assessment, renewable energy, sustainability, energy payback time, Global warming potentia