Life cycle analysis of solar cell systems as a means to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions

In this study, the quantity of CO2 emitted resulting from the construction of a solar cell power station in Indonesia using Japanese-manufactured modules was calculated by means of life cycle analysis, and was compared with that from the production of an analogous power station in Japan using the same modules. The CO2 emitted per unit of electrical energy generated by the power station in Indonesia is less than that of the analogous Japanese station because solar energy is available in larger quantities. However, due to the present relative inefficiency of Indonesian thermal power plants, CO2 emissions per unit electrical energy grows larger than that using Japanese-manufactured modules if Indonesian-manufactured modules are used. This analysis suggests that solar cell power generation systems be used in low latitudes where high-efficiency has been demonstrated, and that cooperation between developed and developing countries is essential for the utilization of solar energy in these regions.