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 impactof two novel photovoltaic and thermal (PVT)collector prototypes developed within thePVT4EUproject: 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 emissionsof 16.51kg CO₂-eq/m² with 100% water and 18.49kg 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 emissionof 539.6 kg CO₂-eq/m² and an Energy Payback Time (EPBT) of 6.34 years. The study identifies design improvements for both technologies, emphasizingmaterial optimization, modularity, and supply chain efficiency to enhance sustainability. These findings provide critical insights intoadvancing PVT systems in resilient energy infrastructuresand help policymakers compare PVT systems with conventional energy solutions.

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