Development Of A Photovoltaic System For An Off-grid Commercial Complex In The Cayman Islands: A Life Cycle Carbon Footprint And Energy Payback Investigation

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2016
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Abstract
A life cycle assessment was conducted for a commercial-scale polycrystalline photovoltaic system located in the Cayman Islands in order to determine the net carbon footprint and energy payback of the system. The carbon emissions across the life cycle stages included within the system boundaries of the study was found to range between 45 to 77 gCO2/kWh. The system possesses a substantially negative carbon footprint, offsetting much more carbon than what is emitted during its lifecycle. The gross energy requirement of the life cycle stages included within the system boundaries of the study was found to be 1,027.35 MWh. Based on the projected annual generation of the photovoltaic system, the energy payback time of the system was calculated to be 1.74 years and the energy return factor to be 17.29. The implementation of PV technology may add social value to the Cayman Islands by strengthening energy security and boosting the local economy. Overall the photovoltaic system examined was favourable for installation from both environmental and energy perspectives. It is therefore recommended for implementation in the Cayman Islands.
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Tseng, P. (2016). Development Of A Photovoltaic System For An Off-grid Commercial Complex In The Cayman Islands: A Life Cycle Carbon Footprint And Energy Payback Investigation (Unpublished report). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.