Panel manufacturing process and associated GHG emissions (kgCO2eq./m2). Fig. source: Galimshina et al (2024).
Improving embodied emissions of PV panels
Tool Website:
Corresponding Author:
- Dr Alina Galimshina, galimshina@ibi.baug.ethz.ch
- A. Galimshina, J. McCarty, C. Waibel, A. Schlueter, and A. Hollberg. High-resolution parametric embodied impact configurator for PV and BIPV systems, Renewable Energy, vol. 236, p. 121404, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.121404.
- J. McCarty and A. Galimshina, architecture-building-systems/parametric-bipv-app: Public Release. (Apr. 11, 2024). Zenodo. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.10960299.
The monocrystalline panel dissected into individual components or layers that are accessible within the database. Fig. source: Galimshina et al (2024).
The ACACIA framework
ACACIA (parAmetric Configurator for A photovoltaiC life cycle Impact Assessment) is a web-based configurator that allows users to customize solar panels and calculate their embodied environmental impact across 14 impact categories, such as global warming potential (GWP), acidification, and human toxicity.
Users can input specific parameters like cell type, frame material, and production location to see real-time updates on the environmental footprint of their design. It helps architects, engineers, and planners make informed decisions for more sustainable PV system designs. The tool I built on a database was compiled from raw data sources found in Ecoinvent, various Environmental Product Declarations, and relevant research papers. The calculated impact information for a panel can be downloaded or visualised through the platform to help users make decision about which surfaces are suitable for a solar panel deployment.
The configurator is a lightweight web application for building a generic PV module and analyzing its impact indicators, available at: https://acacia.arch.ethz.ch/calculator