Company recognized as industry leader for module life cycle assessment
27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference
Upsolar, a leading international provider of solar PV modules, was voted a winner of a Solar Industry Award for the second year in a row. The company was recognized in the Industry Development category for its comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) program.
“enhance the progress of the industry and market on a global scale.”
The Solar Industry Awards – organized by the editors of Solar International (A PV Management Magazine) – honor the companies, products and programs driving innovation and spurring global solar adoption. A team of industry experts determines multiple finalists for each category, and overall winners are selected through a global online voting process.
As the Industry Development award winner, Upsolar’s LCA underscores the category’s theme of highlighting ideas and programs that “enhance the progress of the industry and market on a global scale.” The company completed its in-depth study earlier this year to quantify and analyze the environmental impact of its modules, from the collection of raw materials to production, transportation and end-of-life procedures.
After a 10-month data collection process, in conjunction with its manufacturing platforms and with the technical guidance of Bureau Veritas CODDE, preliminary results indicated that each Upsolar module contributes an average of 1.101-1.251 kg/kWc of carbon emissions over its lifetime. The company will use this figure as a benchmark to optimize its processes moving forward.
A formal ceremony honoring awardees was held in Frankfurt on September 24 in conjunction with the 27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference. Project Development Director Sebastien Prioux accepted the award on behalf of Upsolar.
“Monitoring the true environmental impact of our business allows Upsolar to continuously and efficiently improve our operations and serve as a positive example for our peers, our customers and our planet,” said Prioux. “Through our LCA and our greater commitment to sustainability, we hope to drive the solar industry toward a higher standard, where our processes become as clean as the energy we produce.”
