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Environmental Assessment and Metrics for Solar: Case Study of SolFocus Solar Concentrator Systems

Abstract

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is utilized to analyze SolFocus Inc. concentrator solar systems. A hybrid LCA methodology is explained that combines process and input-output LCA techniques. The use of the greenhouse gas return on investment metric for solar technologies is discussed as a complement to energy metrics. Finally, preliminary results of a hybrid LCA for the SolFocus concentrator technology are presented. It is found that transportation and electricity consumption play a significant role in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

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