China s multicrystalline solar panels are customized on demand

Are China's multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules associated with international trade?

We performed a life-cycle environmental assessment of China's multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules associated with international trade. The study distinguished domestic and imported raw materials for PV modules within the framework of a life-cycle assessment based on traditional processes.

What is the demand for multi-crystalline silicon in the Chinese PV industry?

Approximately 52% of the demand for this silicon in the Chinese PV industry is met by imports. The environmental impacts and energy consumption of this silicon manufacturing are different for sources in which the technology of imported multi-crystalline silicon is more advanced and greener than that used to produce such silicon in China.

Why is LCA conducted on multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems in China?

LCA is conducted on the multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems in China. Multi-Si production is the most contributor to the energy demand and environmental impacts. Compared to other power generation systems in China, PV system is more environmentally friendly. Areas with higher solar radiation are more suitable for installing PV systems.

Does China have a high demand for solar panels?

Although there was severe the trade barrier from United State and Europe targeting China's photovoltaic products since 2012 (Grau et al., 2012), China enhanced the domestic demand of the solar PV. With the rapid construction of PV power stations, the demand of multi-Si PV modules in China keeps increasing (Chen, 2015a, Chen, 2015b).

Is multi-crystalline silicon a key raw material in the Chinese PV module industry?

Multi-crystalline silicon is a key imported raw material in that industry. According to the market share of assumed to be produced in China. Scenario 3 accounts for the full picture of the Chinese PV module industry. Based on PV industry used in the Chinese PV module industry in 201 0 ( Table 8 ). 2.4. Data source and assumptions

Do Chinese multi-crystalline photovoltaic systems have a life-cycle environmental impact?

This study quantitatively assesses the life-cycle environmental impacts of Chinese Multi-crystalline Photovoltaic Systems involving the recycling process. The LCA software GaBi is applied to establish the LCA model and to perform the calculation, and ReCiPe method is chosen to quantify the environmental impacts.