Contributing to the Concept of Sustainable Buildings: Evaluation of the Carbon Emissions of a Solar Photovoltaic Coating Developed in Northeast Brazil

Monica Carvalho (), Heitor do Nascimento Andrade, Beatriz Ferreira de Oliveira, Sidnéia Lira Cavalcante and Kelly C. Gomes
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Monica Carvalho: Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58059-900, Brazil
Heitor do Nascimento Andrade: Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58059-900, Brazil
Beatriz Ferreira de Oliveira: Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58059-900, Brazil
Sidnéia Lira Cavalcante: Graduate Program in Renewable Energy, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
Kelly C. Gomes: Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58059-900, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: Solar coatings have become increasingly relevant as a means to enhance the performance and efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels, playing a critical role in advancing sustainable solar energy solutions. This study employs the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production process of a coating used on solar PV panels. Actual data were collected for the manufacture of the solar coating, constituted by two layers: (i) tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and (ii) titanium isopropoxide (TTIP). Data on energy and material flows were compiled. The GHG emissions for the TEOS and TTIP coatings were 1.8977 and 6.3204 g CO 2 -eq/mL, respectively. With experimental data demonstrating a 4.5% increase in panel efficiency from the coatings, a simulation was carried out to verify the impact of the solar coating on a 16.4 MW solar power plant. The results indicate lifetime avoided emissions of 98,029,294 kg CO 2 -eq over 25 years. Sensitivity assessments verified the impact of shorter lifetimes of the coatings, and even with frequent reapplication—down to monthly intervals—the coating continues to provide net environmental benefits. This robustness reinforces the potential of solar coatings as a complementary strategy for decarbonizing PV systems.

Keywords: life cycle assessment; carbon footprint; greenhouse gas emissions; solar energy; photovoltaics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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