Assessment of embodied carbon emissions in sri lankan solar photovoltaic systems: implications for circular supply chains

Abstract

Despite the widespread recognition of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for promoting energy effi-ciency, substantial embodied carbon emissions throughout their linear (take-make-use-dispose) supply chain significantly undermine their environmental sustainability. Understanding these emissions is essential for iden-tifying opportunities to improve supply chain sustainability through circular economy (CE) practices. This study assesses the embodied carbon emissions of solar PV systems, providing insights to support CE practices in the supply chain. A case study was conducted on a hotel building with a polycrystalline solar PV system, selected as a representative commercial-scale installation. Data were collected through document reviews of installation and maintenance manuals and archival records, supplemented by three semi-structured interviews with profes-sionals involved in the system supply chain. Descriptive statistical and qualitative content analyses were em-ployed to evaluate emissions across supply chain stages. The upstream manufacturing accounts for 95% of the total emissions (148.06 g per kWh). 95.6% of midstream emissions are dominated by ocean transportation. The embodied carbon emission is sensitive to manufacturing-installation site distance, solar ratio, and the year of operation of the system. The study identifies emission-intensive components and lifecycle stages, providing evidence to guide targeted CE interventions for reducing embodied carbon in Sri Lankan solar PV supply chains.