Life Cycle Assessment of PV Systems: Integrated Design Approach for Affordable Housing in Al-Burullus Graduates Villages

Abstract

the integration of renewable energy techniques with building industry is a significant approach for the development of remote areas, which helps to create self-sustaining communities in terms of energy consumption; particularly in housing planning and design. To the North of Al-Burullus Lake, three villages have been built by the Egyptian government in mid 90s to develop this vital region of the Egyptian north coasts. The optimal integration of affordable renewable energy techniques with these low income villages is the scope of a research project funded by Mansoura University as a part of the university vision to improve the quality of life and develop remote areas. This paper tackles the environmental impacts of Building Integrated Photo-Voltaics [BIPV], and employs a case analysis comparison of possible systems in terms of Life Cycle Assessment [LCA]. To reach its goal, the study examines the scientific bases of life cycle assessment, PV life cycle analysis, basic LCA Indicators for PV Performance; all to be tested by an LCA software as a quantitative method to evaluate the proposed cases. The study concluded that Mono-crystalline PV has the minimum energy payback time [2.15 years for case 2]. While Mono-crystalline PV has the minimum CO2 emissions rate [58 gCO2eq/kWh for case 1]. The study provides recommended guidelines for which type to be preferably used as an integrated affordable housing design system.