What is the Energy Pay back for
Thin-Film PV
Systems?
When we
producing
electricity with photovoltaics
(PV) emits no
pollu
tion , produce no greenhouse gases, and use no
finite fossil-
fuel resources(Petrol based). The
environmental benefits of PV are
great. But just
as we say that it takes money to make money,
it also takes energy to save
energy. The term “energy
payback” captures this
idea.
Thin-film PV
modules use very little
semicon
ductor
material during manufacturing. The major energy
costs for manufacturing are the substrate on which
the thin films are placed, the
film-deposition
process, and
facility operation
cost.
Energy
payback estimates for rooftop PV systems can be provided for
your specific application with paybacks in the 7to 10 year
range possible.
Information from the Department
of Energy
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