The energy requirements for the production of photovoltaic (PV) panel and balance of system components are analyzed in order to evaluate the energy payback time and CO2 emissions of a 1.2 PV roof top system in Brazil. The single crystalline panel technology is investigated by using life cycle assessment methodology. It considers mass and energy flows over the whole production process, starting from metallurgical silicon production to the electric generation. Assuming seven different national geographic conditions, cumulative energy demand (CED), energy yield, energy payback time (EPBT) and CO2 emissions rates are calculated. As result it is found that the EPBT is 2.47 – 3.13 years and CO2 emissions rate is 14.54 – 18.68 g de CO2 eq/kWh for present day roof-top mounted installations.
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