Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Microgrid Systems in Off-Grid Communities

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Energy Systems Engineering
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Reliable electricity access is crucial for developing communities.
• Microgrids offer a decentralized solution to energy access challenges.
• Photovoltaic (PV) technology is a key component in modern microgrid solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the environmental and energy impacts of three PV microgrids.
• To compare PV microgrids against alternative energy options in a model Kenyan village.
• To identify key impact drivers and potential areas for improvement in PV microgrid systems.

Main Methods:

• Attributional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was employed.
• Environmental impacts were assessed per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed.
• Comparative analysis was conducted against small-scale diesel generators and the national electricity grid.

Main Results:

• PV microgrids, particularly PV-battery systems, demonstrate lower impacts on climate change, particulate matter, photochemical oxidants, and terrestrial acidification.
• PV-battery systems achieve 94-99% savings compared to diesel generators and 80-88% savings compared to the Kenyan grid.
• Component manufacturing, especially batteries, significantly contributes to PV-battery microgrid impacts.

Conclusions:

• PV microgrids are feasible, adaptable, and sustainable long-term energy access solutions.
• PV microgrids offer substantial health and environmental advantages over traditional electrification methods.
• Optimizing battery manufacturing and end-of-life recycling can further enhance the environmental performance of PV microgrids.