Research Article

Environmental Life-Cycle Analysis of Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal Systems for Use in Hong Kong

Table 3

Cumulative energy in free-stand PV/T system.

MaterialsQuantity consumed (kg)Cumulative energy intensity (MJ/unit)Cumulative energy (kWh)

PV/T collector

Front glazing

Low-iron glass (1.76 m2)19.719.7107.9

Thermal insulation

Glass wool1.6931.714.9

Thermal absorber

Aluminum absorber 18.32191114.7

Frame and back cover

Aluminum1.78219108.0

PV Encapsulation

PV Module1.11 m29761083.4

BOS

Water tank

Stainless steel tank 4.2082.2273.0
Tank insulation (Glass wool)1.5831.713.9
Aluminum Cladding 0.96621958.8

Connecting pipe

Copper piping (15 mm dia.) 2.4 m6.334.2
Pipe insulation (Glass wool)0.062731.70.6

Structural support and accessories

Steel stand14.229.2115.2
Pipe fittings and structural joints7.19140.093.3
Inverter + electric wiring5% of PV module54.2

Total:3041.8