1 research outputs found
Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Microgrid Systems in Off-Grid Communities
Access to a reliable source of electricity
creates significant
benefits for developing communities. Smaller versions of electricity
grids, known as microgrids, have been developed as a solution to energy
access problems. Using attributional life cycle assessment, this project
evaluates the environmental and energy impacts of three photovoltiac
(PV) microgrids compared to other energy options for a model village
in Kenya. When normalized per kilowatt hour of electricity consumed,
PV microgrids, particularly PV–battery systems, have lower
impacts than other energy access solutions in climate change, particulate
matter, photochemical oxidants, and terrestrial acidification. When
compared to small-scale diesel generators, PV–battery systems
save 94–99% in the above categories. When compared to the marginal
electricity grid in Kenya, PV–battery systems save 80–88%.
Contribution analysis suggests that electricity and primary metal
use during component, particularly battery, manufacturing are the
largest contributors to overall PV–battery microgrid impacts.
Accordingly, additional savings could be seen from changing battery
manufacturing location and ensuring end of life recycling. Overall,
this project highlights the potential for PV microgrids to be feasible,
adaptable, long-term energy access solutions, with health and environmental
advantages compared to traditional electrification options