Análise de ciclo de vida de painéis fotovoltaicos

Abstract

The expansion of photovoltaic solar energy in Brazil, driven by distributed generation and public policies, highlights the need to assess its environmental impacts throughout the life cycle. In this context, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a consolidated methodology for evaluating environmental impacts from raw material extraction to end-of-life, according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. This study investigates the life cycle of photovoltaic systems, identifying the distribution of environmental impacts across manufacturing, installation, operation, and disposal stages, as well as comparing different technologies. The methodology is characterized as applied research, based on bibliographic and document review, using a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data. The results show that the main impacts occur during manufacturing and end-of-life stages, while the operation phase presents low impacts, demonstrating that photovoltaic systems exhibit superior environmental performance compared to conventional energy sources over their lifetime. Although photovoltaic systems present relevant environmental impacts, especially those associated with the raw material extraction and module manufacturing stages, these impacts must be analyzed in a contextualized manner. Life Cycle Assessment studies demonstrate that, when compared to conventional energy generation sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, the environmental impacts of photovoltaic systems are significantly lower, particularly with regard to greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption during the operation phase. Furthermore, the relatively short energy payback time in comparison to the modules’ service life indicates that the energy produced over decades of operation largely exceeds the energy and resources consumed during manufacturing. Therefore, although not impact-free, photovoltaic systems do not represent a concerning environmental factor when assessed from a life cycle perspective, constituting a more environmentally sustainable alternative compared to conventional energy generation sources.