Research Article

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

Table 5

Cumulative energy in BiPV/T system.

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

PV/T collector

Front glazing

Low-iron glass (1.61 m2  ×  6)99.619.7545.0

Thermal insulation

Glass wool9.5031.783.7

Thermal absorber

Aluminum absorber 86.72195273.8

Frame and back cover

Aluminum10.1219611.8

PV Encapsulation

PV Module4.86 m29764743.4

BOS

Water tank

Stainless steel tank 19.982.2454.0
Insulation (Glass wool)2.1431.718.8
Aluminum Cladding 1.5321993.0

Connecting pipe

Copper piping (55 mm dia.) 7 m40.177.9
Pipe insulation (Glass wool)1.0731.79.4

Structural support and accessories

Pipe fittings and structural parts5.25140.068.1
Inverter + electric wiring5% of PV module237.2

Total12585.2