The Use of Life Cycle Assessment to Support Development of an Innovative BIPV System with a Steel Frame

Building-integrated Photovoltaic solutions (BIPV) help optimizing the use of available areas for PV implementation. With growing concerns about the environmental impacts of the construction sector, BIPV system manufacturers are challenged to evaluate the impacts of their solutions and consider them as key criteria for decision-making in their design process. In this context, this study aims at correctly define the calculation protocol and assess the impact on climate change of an innovative BIPV solution named SOLARSTYL® in development. To this end, a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of the SOLARSTYL® system is performed, using a method inspired by the French accredited PEP Ecopassport program for Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). Environmental performance comparisons are made with a standard BIPV solution considered as a reference in order to guide design choices. More specifically, the study addresses the influence of the metal on the environmental impacts. A steel frame is considered for the SOLARSTYL® system, together with a plug-and-play connecting technology to facilitate assembly, maintenance and replacement. Cable routing solution and hazards management option will be included in this study. In addition, micro-inverters are expected to be integrated in the frame in a future design. In contrast, the reference system includes the most common current solution, i.e. an aluminium frame in a conventional PV module equipped with an external junction box.