Sustainability Assessment of Residential Grid-Connected Monocrystalline Module Solar PV Systems in Three Major Cities in Indonesia: A Life Cycle Assessment Perspective

Abstract

This research provides a life cycle assessment (LCA) of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems for households in three major cities in Indonesia i.e, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and energy performance of monocrystalline-type modules. Employing the IMPACT2002+ and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) methodologies, the study evaluates multiple environmental effects, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy payback period time (PBT), and energy return on investment (ROI) for PV systems with capacities of 2 to 15 kWp. The findings indicate reduced GHG emissions as system capacity increases, decreasing emissions from 70.89 g CO₂-eq/kWh for smaller systems to 65.06 g CO₂-eq/kWh for larger systems. The predominant source of emissions is attributed to the energy-intensive manufacturing processes of PV modules. The PBT values were found to range from 6.88 to 8.10 years, while ROI values varied between 2.98 and 4.01, suggesting favorable energy returns. Furthermore, the analysis explored the implications of extending the system lifespan from 20 to 30 years, resulting in a 31% decrease in GHG emissions and notable enhancements in ROI. Additionally, regions with higher solar irradiation, such as Surabaya, exhibited superior environmental performance and energy efficiency. This study underscores the potential of PV systems in Indonesia to advance sustainability objectives while highlighting the necessity for improved module manufacturing processes and system longevity.