Trina Solar has been awarded Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) certification for its Vertex modules by TÜV Rheinland, based on their industry leading low carbon emissions, Trina becoming in the process the first solar company to receive such recognition for 210mm modules.
Life Cycle Assessment follows the methodology and specific requirements of ISO 14040 and 14044 standards for conducting scientific testing of indicators including life-cycle carbon emissions. The products tested were taken from Trina’s major production factories around the world, covering the full range of its p-type 210mm monocrystalline modules from Vertex S 410W to Vertex 670W.
The results indicated that the Vertex modules were outstanding for their low carbon emissions, these being as low as less than 400kg CO2_E/kW, without using special silicon materials, some 30% lower than the average ‘cradle to grave’ carbon emissions of PV modules in China of around 550kg CO2_E/kW.
Taking a 30-year product life cycle as an example, Vertex modules have an electricity emission factor of less than 0.01, with carbon emitted by thermal power being 100 times higher. Trina conducted its own comprehensive LCA analysis of Vertex modules, based on more than 10 indicators affecting the environment, including energy consumption, raw material use, acid rain, eutrophication, toxins and waste, with the results once again excellent.
Reduction of carbon emissions is a global trend that will continue to impact product portfolios, technology development, production and supply chain management across all industries, with low-carbon certification becoming an important consideration for customers in their product selection process.