Towards sustainable photovoltaics: A carbon footprint rating system for module selection and industry decarbonization

With the growth of energy demand and the rapid development of global photovoltaic (PV) industry, the carbon emissions generated by PV modules themselves cannot be ignored. This study takes monocrystalline silicon PV modules as an example to explore the establishment of a carbon footprint rating system applicable to PV module products. Based on life cycle assessment, topology analysis, and CRITIC weighting method, the carbon footprint level of photovoltaic modules was evaluated, and a comprehensive evaluation method based on topological hierarchy analysis was proposed. This method divides the carbon footprint evaluation of products into six levels, A to F, with the superiority of the evaluation levels decreasing from A to F. The results show that out of the 9 selected products, 2 were rated as C level, 6 were rated as D level, and 1 was rated as E. Obviously, the carbon footprint of most PV module products is higher than the average level. Finally, this study analyzes the key links of carbon emissions from photovoltaic modules, and combines the grading scheme proposed to analyze potential effective carbon reduction paths for PV module products, promoting enterprise optimization of production processes and achieving a win-win situation of multiple sustainability benefits.