The Limits of the Current Consensus Regarding the Carbon Footprint of Photovoltaic Modules Manufactured in China: A Review and Case Study

Enrico Mariutti ()
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Enrico Mariutti: Independent Researcher, 00141 Rome, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: A transition to low-carbon energy sources is pivotal in addressing the escalating challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Solar energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV) technology, stands out as a prominent solution because of its potential for clean and sustainable electricity generation with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. However, accurately assessing the carbon footprint of PV modules is essential for guiding policy, industry practices, and research. This paper reviews the state of the current literature and highlights the difficulties in estimating the carbon footprint of PV modules manufactured in China. It emphasises the inherent limitations of Process-Based Life Cycle Assessments (PLCAs), including data collection challenges, dynamic environmental changes, and subjective methodological choices. Through the case study of Ecoinvent 3.7 the study underscores the need for improved transparency, standardisation, and reproducibility in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to provide more accurate and reliable environmental impact evaluations.

Keywords: photovoltaic; life cycle assessment; carbon footprint; ecoinvent; environmentally extended input–output analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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