Towards a labelling for green energy production units: Case study of off-grid solar PV systems

Abstract

This paper proposes a new label called ECO2E/KEG for energy production units. So far, appliances and buildings labelling has been developed to support initiatives against global warming issues. Labels were then set up in order to help people in the choice of efficient electrical appliances or buildings from energy consumption point of view. From our knowledge, no labelling has been developed for energy production units yet. ECO2E/KEG is an alphanumeric index which gives information on the ecological performance of the energy production units, and on the relative cost of these clean units compared to conventional diesel generators. The alpha index is calculated by considering emissions avoided by the production units. A classification system in five groups, ranging from A (the most ecological system) to E (the least ecological system) allows green unit classification, according to their alpha index. The numerical index is obtained by comparing the LCOE of the energy produced by the green production units over their lifetime with the LCOE of the energy produced by an equivalent diesel generator over the same duration of the project. Five classes are also defined for this index ranging from 1 (the most economical system) to 5 (the least economical system)