Abstract

ROJAS-HERNANDEZ, Isaac  and  LIZANA MORENO, Fernando. Energy payback time of crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems in Costa Rica. Energética [online]. 2018, vol.39, n.3, pp.195-202. ISSN 1815-5901.

Costa Rica is committed to obtain carbon neutrality; its low level emission energy matrix has been a major contribution in order to accomplish this objective. However, since new power production technologies have been introduced, it is necessary to assess their impact and emissions, even though these are considered as clean technologies. In this paper energy payback time (EPBT) values are estimated, specifically for crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems (monocrystalline and multicrystalline), installed in five different areas throughout the country. Assumptions on the energy consumed for manufacture, transportation and final disposition are stablished in order to quantify EPBT, in contrast with energy produced when using the photovoltaic system. Findings are described from basic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) perspective. EPBT calculated values range from 2,7 to 3 years, this is important to balance energy during the first stage of a photovoltaic power plant’s production in Costa Rica

Keywords : Costa Rica; crystalline silicon; EPBT; energy payback time; solar photovoltaic power.

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