An environmental life cycle comparison of crystalline and thin-film solar photovoltaic systems in Thailand (2011)

Undergraduate: Noah Kittner

Faculty Advisor: Rich Kamens
Department: Environmental Science

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Thailand’s current electricity mix is not sustainable, largely generated from imported natural gas, consuming nearly 103,770 million kWh in 2008. While currently accounting for less than 1% of Thailand’s electricity, solar technology can both lessen Thailand’s reliance on other countries for energy resources and serve as a greenhouse gas mitigation strategy. This study evaluates the environmental benefits of the two prominent types of photovoltaic technology available in Bangkok, Thailand, crystalline and thin-film systems. With a recent Thai government subsidy for Very Small Power Producers, private homes and commercial installations are gaining popularity across the electrical grid to sell electricity. As a climate change mitigation strategy, the study estimates through life cycle modeling the environmental benefits Thailand could accrue under different policy scenarios. The LCA methodology provides a standard assessment to compare the technologies. Different parameters are considered including life expectancy, end-of life scenarios, balance-of-system requirements, transportation scenarios, and module efficiencies. The results indicate solar electricity provides a promising untapped renewable energy source for Thailand to pursue in its efforts to wean away from imported natural gas and other fossilized energy sources. LCA provides an invaluable tool for policymakers to evaluate such opportunities.