Abstract
The conventional energy-production system by burning fossil fuels releases many pollutants and carbon dioxide($CO_2$) to the environment. Therefore, many countries pay attention to new and renewable energy and invest in the development of these new technologies for the future energy security. One of the most promising of these technologies is a photovoltaic system. In this study, Life Cycle Assessment(LCA) is carried out to analyse the environmental issues(e.g. global warming, abiotic resource depletion) of CdTe photovoltaic system. The spatial and temporal scope of this study was set in Korea during 2004~2005. We assumed that CdTe photovoltaic system was installed in Mokpo where the amount of solar irradiation was higher than other places in Korea. Based on the present data and some assumptions, greenhouse gas emission was 39.2g $CO_2$-eq./kWh. Therefore the electricity produced by CdTe photovoltaic system is more environmentally friendly than the conventional power generation system.
