Life cycle assessment (LCA) of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels from gate to grave in Uganda.

Abstract

Uganda is richly endowed with abundant energy resources, which are fairly distributed throughout the country. These include hydropower, biomass, solar, geothermal, peat and fossil fuels the need to exploit energy sources that are alternative to fossil fuels, whose use is the major cause of air pollution and climatic change, is becoming important. These alternative energy sources are renewable energy sources such as solar energy, hydro energy, wind energy and geothermal. Though solar panels produce clean energy, they seem to have potential environmental impacts while in the production process (Dr. Norasikin Ahmad Ludin, 2019). Also, in most situations, the expected life for PV panels appears to be 25 years, and afterward their end-of-life management is not guaranteed with current practices. (Dumping PV waste in landfills, water and exposure to air would cause severe health and environmental problems) (Stolz et al., 2016). This study investigated environmental impacts of solar panels in photovoltaic plants from use to disposal (case study Tororo solar North Limited) in Tororo district Uganda on resources and the environment. The study evaluated the environmental impacts and therefore the actual sustainability of solar photovoltaic system. A gate to grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels was conducted over their useful life using OpenLCA software and the NEEDS database, Ecoivent impact assessment methods and following LCA standards created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14040 and ISO 14044).