EPEAT – ULCS – 2023

Criteria for theAssessment of
Ultra-Low Carbon
Solar Modules

March 17, 2023

© 2023 Green Electronics Council
dba Global Electronics Council (GEC)EPEAT-ULCS-2023
Criteria for the Assessment of Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Modules

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PO Box 12149, Portland, OR 97212-0149, USA
Copyright © 2023 by Green Electronics Council, dba Global Electronics Council.
All rights reserved. Published 17 March 2023.
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The content of this document is owned by the Green Electronics Council, dba Global Electronics Council (GEC), and its use islimited to the tools and resources developed by GEC as part of its mission activities and EPEAT Program unless otherwise
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competition.
How to cite this document: Global Electronics Council, Criteria for the Assessment of Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Modules(EPEAT–ULCS–2023), March 17, 2023. Available at www.gec.org.

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EPEAT-ULCS-2023
Criteria for the Assessment of Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Modules

Contents
Foreword .............................................................................................................................................................................iv
1.0

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1

Product Scope..................................................................................................................................................1

1.2

ULCS Criteria in EPEAT Ecolabel ................................................................................................................1

2.0

Normative References ........................................................................................................................................ 2

3.0

Definitions & Acronyms ....................................................................................................................................... 3

3.1

Definitions ..........................................................................................................................................................3

3.2

Acronyms ...........................................................................................................................................................3

4.0

Criteria .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

4.1

Required – Low Carbon Solar .....................................................................................................................5

4.2

Optional – Ultra Low Carbon Solar ...........................................................................................................9

4.3

Optional – Publicly Available LCI Data in IEA PVPS Task 12 Format ............................................. 10

Annex A (Normative): Verified Carbon Footprint Method.................................................................................. 11
A1.

Method Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 11

A2.

Calculating the Verified Carbon Footprint ............................................................................................. 13

Annex B (Normative): Table 3 ― Standard National Values for GWP Contribution Coefficients ............ 20
Annex C (Normative): Table 4 ― Standard Sub-National Values for GWP Contribution Coefficients ... 24
Annex D (Informative): Electricity CO2e Emission Factors used for Tables 3 and 4..................................... 26
Annex E (Informative): Additional Reference Sources ........................................................................................... 27
Document Change History ........................................................................................................................................... 28©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
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EPEAT-ULCS-2023
Criteria for the Assessment of Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Modules

Foreword
The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is a mission driven non-profit working to create a more sustainable and justworld, focused on supporting institutional purchasers in procuring only credible sustainable and circulartechnology products and services. GEC owns and operates EPEATTM, a comprehensive voluntary sustainability
ecolabel. GEC ecolabel criteria address priority impacts throughout the life cycle of the product, based on an
evaluation of scientific evidence and international best practices.
Criteria are developed in balanced, voluntary consensus processes consistent with:• ISO 14024 Environmental labels and declarations – Type 1 environmental labelling – Principles andprocedures 1, and• U.S. Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, OMB Circular A-119:

Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity
Assessment Activities 2.
A summary of GEC’s Criteria Development Process (P74) and procedures governing the process are publicly
available on the EPEAT Registry (https://www.epeat.net/). Public stakeholder consultation occurs throughout thecriteria development process. Stakeholder comments on criteria are considered by the Technical Committee aspart of the Voluntary Consensus Process. Detailed policies for the EPEAT Program and criteria implementation areavailable in the EPEAT Policy Manual, also found on the EPEAT Registry (https://www.epeat.net/). The EPEAT
Program may issue temporary policy addenda to this document, EPEAT Policy Manual (P65), to address
unforeseeable and extraordinary circumstances that are beyond the control of manufacturers. Such circumstances
include but are not limited to natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, significant labor strikes, devastating
accidents to a supplier facility, epidemics, or pandemics.
These Ultra-Low Carbon Solar (ULCS) Criteria were developed with funding from the Ultra Low-Carbon Solar
Alliance (ULCSA) and GEC. Anthesis LLC provided technical support and managed the criteria development
process, in alignment with GEC’s criteria development process. On the following page is a list of stakeholders
participating on the Technical Committee and Expert Ad Hoc Group.

1
2

Available at: https://www.iso.org
Available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/revised_circular_a-119_as_of_1_22.pdf©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
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EPEAT-ULCS-2023
Criteria for the Assessment of Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Modules

Participants
The following stakeholders were members of the Technical Committee:
Annick Anctil, Michigan State University
Carsten Rohr, NorSun
Dustin Mulvaney, San Jose State University
France Jonathan, PINK by Solystyce
Garvin Heath, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Holly Elwood, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
James Higham, Scatec
Jen Snook, Clean Energy Buyers Institute (CEBI)
Lindsay Cherry, Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc.
Lisa Booth, Dominion Energy
Lucas Weiss, Voltec Solar
Parikhit (Ricky) Sinha, First Solar
Rob Steeman, CubicPV
Steve Heim, Boston Common Asset
Steven Holty, Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC (HSC)
Trude Nysæter, REC Solar Norway
Wolfgang Storm, Wacker Chemie AG
Stakeholders from the following organizations participated in criteria drafting as participants in the Expert Ad HocGroup:
Clean Energy Buyers Institute (CEBI)
CubicPVFirst Solar
Global Electronics Council
Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc.
Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC
Michigan State University
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
NorSunREC Solar Norway
The Fraunhofer Society
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Wacker Chemie AG©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
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1.0 Purpose
The purpose of the Ultra-Low Carbon Solar (ULCS) Criteria (herein referred to as “Criteria”) is to establish aframework, standardized methodology, and performance objectives to incentivize manufacturers and suppliers todesign and manufacture low embodied carbon photovoltaic (PV) modules. For purchasers, these Criteria provide
a consensus-based definition of low-embodied carbon to aid in identifying and procuring low embodied carbon
PV modules. These Criteria are used within EPEATTM, a global Type 1 ecolabel that helps purchasers identify andselect sustainable electronic products and provides market recognition for conforming products.
The ULCS Criteria are developed based on the principle that manufacture and procurement of low-embodied
carbon solar PV modules are critical for achieving net-zero emissions. These Criteria will be continually maintained
and periodically reviewed to ensure that the definition of low embodied carbon solar progresses with theevolution of technology and services and sustainability/environmental improvements in the product sector.
The ULCS Criteria are expected to be reviewed two years after initial publication to determine if updates arenecessary. All elements of the criteria will be considered. After the initial revision, the Criteria are expected to beconsidered for review as per the general EPEAT Criteria revision schedule.

1.1

Product Scope

The Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Criteria are based on the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) completed by the International
Energy Agency's Technology Collaboration Programme on Photovoltaic Power Systems (PVPS) Task 12: PV
Sustainability. To maintain alignment with this LCI, the specific scope of these Criteria includes the Standard Value
table approach (“Path A”, as further defined in section 4 and Annex A) and the Additional LCA Data approach(“Path B”) for the following module technologies.
••

Crystalline silicon-based PV, including mono- and multi-crystalline siliconThin-film PV based on Cadmium telluride (CdTe)

Other module technologies can also be considered using these Criteria but will depend substantially on the Path B
Additional LCA Data approach.

1.2

ULCS Criteria in EPEAT Ecolabel

The EPEAT ecolabel addresses multiple sustainability issues, including climate change, sustainable use ofresources, chemicals of concern and supply chain due diligence. These ULCS Criteria are added to therequirements for PV modules to achieve the EPEAT ecolabel. To be awarded the EPEAT ecolabel, PV module
manufacturers must conform to these ULCS Criteria and the EPEAT Criteria in NSF 457 – Sustainability LeadershipStandard for Photovoltaic Modules and Photovoltaic Inverters. 3
EPEAT is a tiered ecolabel designed to recognize the top 25 - 30% of the market. EPEAT Criteria are identified aseither Required or Optional. Required Criteria must be met for a product to become EPEAT-registered (Bronze).
Depending on the number of Optional Criteria met, a product may achieve an EPEAT rating of Silver or Gold.

3https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/NSF-457-2019-1.pdf©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
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Products recognized as Silver must meet over 50% of total available optional points, while products achieving
Gold recognition must meet over 75% of total available optional points.
Products that meet EPEAT Criteria are identified in the public facing website called the EPEAT Registry. Before
becoming EPEAT-registered, an independent GEC-approved Conformity Assurance Body (CAB) must confirm theproduct’s conformance with EPEAT Criteria, which are identified in the Verification Requirements of each criterion.

2.0 Normative References
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable
for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. European Union Directives, which contain the
adoption date in their title, are not treated as “dated references” (as described above). Unless explicitly indicatedotherwise, when a European Union Directive is referenced in this document, a new or updated European Union
Directive shall apply upon its enforcement date unless otherwise noted in the criteria.
Ecoinvent 4
IEC 61215 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1: Test
requirements 5 -- Requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term
operation in open-air climates.
IEC 61730 Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 1: Requirements for construction 6
International Energy Agency, PVPS Task 12 – Life Cycle Inventories and Life Cycle Assessments of Photovoltaic
Systems, and Guidelines on Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Electricity7International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Arrangement (MLA) 8
IPCC2013-GWP100a method 9
ISO 14067 Greenhouse gases — Carbon footprint of products 10
ISO 14040 Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework 11
ISO 14044 Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines 124www.ecoinvent.org
https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/61345
6https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/25674
7
https://iea-pvps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IEA-PVPS-LCI-report-2020.pdf
8
https://iaf.nu/en/about-iaf-mla/9
https://www.ipcc.ch/2013/01/30/ipcc-publishes-full-report-climate-change-2013-the-physical-science-basis/
10
https://www.iso.org/standard/71206.html
11https://www.iso.org/standard/37456.html
12https://www.iso.org/standard/38498.html
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ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity assessment – Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing
inspection 13
ISO/IEC 17021-1 Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification ofmanagement systems
ISO 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories 14
ISO/IEC 17065 Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services 15

3.0 Definitions & Acronyms
3.1

Definitions

Manufacturer 16: Refers to any natural, legal person or entity who:—
manufactures a product, or—
has a product designed or manufactured, or—places a brand label on a ready-made product; and—places it on the market under their own name or trademark.
Process steps: The subsequent manufacturing processes required to produce a multi-process manufactured
product. In the case of silicon PV modules, the process steps include the production of metallurgical-grade silicon,
production of solar-grade silicon, production of ingot (including bricking and pulling), wafering, cell manufacture
and module manufacture.
Product data sheet: A technical data sheet from a PV module manufacturer that details performance
specifications including module size, design power output and performance warranty.
Renewable electricity: electricity generated from renewable sources that meet the definition of such sources
under the RE 100 Technical Criteria 17.
Supplier: Entity that provides goods or services, usually in context of an end-product manufacturers supply-chain.

3.2

Acronyms

CAB: Conformity Assurance Body
CdTe: cadmium-telluride13

https://www.iso.org/standard/52994.html
https://www.iso.org/ISO-IEC-17025-testing-and-calibration-laboratories.html
15
https://www.iso.org/standard/46568.html
16
For the purposes of the ULCS Criteria, ‘Manufacturer’ refers to the company making the PV module registered to EPEAT, not
any separate company supplying components into that PV module17
https://www.there100.org/sites/re100/files/202210/20221024_RE100%20technical%20criteria%2Bappendices.pdf
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CIS/CIGS: copper-indium-selenide / copper-indium-gallium-selenidec-Si: crystalline silicon
EAC: Energy Attribute Certificate
EPD: environmental product declaration
ESL: estimated service life
FU: functional unit
GWP: global warming potential
HJT: heterojunction technology
IEA: International Energy Agency
ISO: International Organization for Standardization
kWp: kilowatt peak
LCA: life cycle assessment
LCI: life cycle inventory
LCIA: life cycle impact assessment
Micro-Si: micromorphous siliconMono-Si: monocrystalline siliconMulti-Si: multicrystalline silicon
PCR: product category rules
PV: photovoltaic
PVPS: Photovoltaic Power Systems (in context of the IEA)
RSL: reference service life
Si: silicon
SoG-Si: solar grade silicon
ULCS: ultra-low carbon solar
VCF: Verified Carbon Footprint
Wp: watt-peak©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
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4.0 Criteria
4.1

Required – Low Carbon Solar

The embodied carbon of the PV module, including the frame 18, shall be equal to or less than 630 kg CO2e /kWp.
The manufacturer shall calculate the embodied carbon of the PV module, including the frame, using the Verified
Carbon Footprint (VCF) method detailed in Annex A. The VCF can be calculated using either Path A, which utilizes
standard data tables for carbon contribution coefficients, or Path B, which allows for supplier specific Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) data to be used to calculate carbon contribution coefficients.
Only national-level location-based electricity emission factors, as defined in Annex A section A2.3 and shown in
Table 3, are allowed in the VCF calculation for this criterion.
Manufacturer shall have the VCF verified by an independent third-party(ies) as per the requirements below forPath A and Path B.
The VCF shall be valid for one year after issue, after which time the manufacturer shall submit revised supporting
data to the independent third-party(ies) to ensure the VCF is still valid. Upon request, the manufacturer shall beable to provide a revised verification statement(s) and supporting documentation, as per the verification
requirements, from the independent third-party(ies). The independent third-party(ies) is subject to audit withintwelve months of completion of each verification.
If the photovoltaic module is based on technologies other than crystalline Silicon and CdTe thin film, independent
third-party verification must also include verification of comparable life span and reliability (e.g., 25-year lifespanduring which it demonstrates no more than 20% performance degradation).
Independent third-party verification for Path A:
Manufacturer shall have the VCF and accompanying Table 1 in Annex A verified by an independent thirdparty that is accredited to ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO/IEC 17065. For
ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17021, or ISO/IEC 17065, accreditation shall be issued by an accreditationbody that is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Arrangement (MLA). For
ISO/IEC 17025, accreditation shall be issued by an accreditation body that is a signatory to theInternational Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). The
independent third-party must also demonstrate prior experience in the PV industry.
The independent third-party shall verify the following information in Table 1 from Annex A:
1) Process steps (Column 1) and quantities (Column 2).
•

Manufacturer shall provide a product data sheet, report from testing the PV module against
IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, and a physical sample of the PV module.

PV modules without frames can also be included in these criteria if they are designed and installed in a manner that neveradds a frame.
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•

A laboratory analysis of a physical example of a whole PV module meeting all requirements
to make it suitable for sale must be performed to determine that the density and dimensionsof components match those specified in the material product data sheet and IEC 61215 /IEC 61730 test report(s).Laboratory analysis shall be performed by a laboratory that isaccredited to ISO 17025 with the accreditation issued by an accreditation body that is asignatory to the ILAC MRA.

2) Process steps (Column 1) from each manufacturing site (Columns 3 and 4) used to produce thenumber of PV modules required to produce 1 kWp of generating capacity as identified in Table 1.
•

For each manufacturing site identified in Table 1, manufacturer shall provide the supplier’sname and contact details (name and email address), a list of orders made from each siteover the timeframe used to develop the VCF, and the amount delivered by the site over thetimeframe used to develop the VCF.

•

Verification shall confirm the quantities of materials used in the process steps by review ofadditional supporting documentation (e.g., invoices, purchase orders, delivery receipts).

•

Verification shall confirm that the quantities of materials used in the process steps (Column 1)
conform with expectations based on losses and breakages shown in Table 2, by review ofadditional supporting documentation as per the examples above, and, at the discretion of
the independent third-party, interviews with suppliers.

3) Process steps (Column 1) and the location of each manufacturing site (Columns 3 and 4).
••

Manufacturer shall provide a facility inspection report for each supplier manufacturing site
identified in Table 1. Each facility inspection report shall be performed during the VCF valid
period or up to 1 year prior to the start of the VCF valid period and identify at a minimum:−

Name and employer of the independent facility inspector,−

Date of inspection,−

Manufacturing site address,−

Manufacturing site layout diagram, and−Product type for the relevant process steps (i.e., Column 1 in Table 1).

Verification shall confirm that each facility inspection was conducted within the previous
twelve months by an independent inspector, and that the facility is performing activities
necessary for the process steps identified for that site.

4) Use of correct Global Warming Potential (GWP) contribution coefficients (Column 5), taken from
Table 3 in Annex B, for each process step (Column 1).
5) Calculations used to determine GWP value (Column 6) for each process step and for the overall
GWP for the PV module, including the frame.
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A manufacturer can create an alternative GWP coefficient from Path A values that represents more than one
process step in Table 1, i.e., it can represent a “cradle-to-gate” value for the preceding process steps in Table
1. Such an alternative coefficient must be verified by the Designated Expert (see LCA REVIEW STEP 2 below)
who will issue a verification statement that the alternative GWP coefficient has met the requirements and canbe used for calculation within the criteria.
The independent third-party verifier must issue a summary certificate (called a Verified Carbon Footprint or
VCF) that summarizes the information listed above including the final Path A VCF value.
Independent third-party verification for Path B:
Manufacturer shall meet the requirements identified above for Path A for those aspects of the VCF calculatedusing GWP contribution coefficients taken from Table 3 in Annex B, for the calculations used to determine the
GWP value for each process step and for the calculation to determine the overall embodied carbon for the
PV module, including the frame.
For those aspects of the VCF calculated using alternative GWP contribution coefficients resulting from an LCA,
the LCA shall have been conducted within the previous three years and been verified via the two review steps
listed below.
The independent third-party verifier must issue a summary certificate (called a Verified Carbon Footprint or
VCF) that summarizes the information listed above including the final Path A VCF value and Path B VCF value.
For Path B, the summary certificate must also verify that the following two review steps for the LCA have been
completed:
LCA REVIEW STEP 1 – Critical Review
The LCA shall have been the subject of an independent critical review assuring conformance to therequirements listed in Section A2.3, including specific additions and exceptions. The critical review shall be
conducted in accordance with the requirements of ISO 14044, ISO 14067 and NPCR 029 2021, andperformed by an individual or organization meeting the requirements of ISO 14044 Section 7.3.2.
LCA REVIEW STEP 2 – Review of Alternative Coefficient by GEC Designated Expert
GEC will designate one or more Designated Experts to verify proposed alternative GWP coefficients. To
qualify, a Designated Expert must have at least 10 years experience in conducting and/or reviewing
technical LCAs and experience in engineering processes related to PV module manufacturing. A DesignatedExpert shall be independent of individuals and organizations calculating the alternative GWP contribution
coefficient.
For each GWP contribution coefficient resulting from an LCA, the supplier or manufacturer shall have theunderlying LCA data and resulting alternative GWP contribution coefficient verified by a GEC DesignatedExpert. The Designated Expert shall verify the following:1) The LCA has addressed the specific requirements of Section A2.3.

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2) The LCA data for process steps with GWP contribution coefficients resulting from an LCA (Column 1
in Table 1) from each manufacturing site (Columns 3 and 4 in Table 1) used to produce the GWP
contribution coefficient are accurate, with special attention to records provided demonstrating thatthe aluminum frame is modelled with appropriate assumptions (e.g., correct secondary datasets
applied based on actual aluminum supply).
3) Verification shall confirm that energy assignment methods (e.g., total site consumption, total site
production) meet the requirements of Section A2.3, with special attention to how electricity usage isassigned to production at a manufacturing site level and evenly distributed across the entire electricity
use of the named site.
4) Verification shall confirm that the LCA representing production of silicon ingot includes the pulling,bricking or squaring, and scrap recycling processes, with no reduction of solar-grade polysilicondemand due to scrap recycling.
5) If the LCA and resulting GWP contribution coefficient includes self-generated renewable electricity
from generation assets owned by the reporting entity (e.g., manufacturer and/or supplier),
verification that the Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) are tracked and redeemed, retired orcancelled by or on behalf of the reporting entity, and are not sold to any entity other than thereporting entity.
An alternative GWP coefficient can represent more than one process step in Table 1, i.e., it can represent a“cradle-to-gate” value for the preceding process steps in Table 1, if all unit processes represented in the LCA
are modelled with data specific to the product, rather than values referenced from LCA databases.
Upon completion of the review, the GEC Designated Expert will issue a verification statement that thealternative GWP coefficient has met the requirements and can be used for calculation within the criteria.
Verification requirements:a) A VCF that shows the embodied carbon of the photovoltaic module, including the frame, meets thecriterion threshold for the time period of module production covered by the EPEAT registration.
b) For Path A:i.

Verification statement from the independent third-party that is dated and identifies successful
validation of items (1) through (5) for Path A, as per the criterion.

ii.

Supporting data summary document from the independent third-party that identifies all
documents and records submitted by the manufacturer and reviewed for verification, anyinterviews conducted with suppliers, and results from analysis of the physical sample of thephotovoltaic module.

iii.

Completed Table 1 as per Annex A.

iv.

Accreditation certificate(s) for the independent third-party that performed the verification.

c) For Path B:©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
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For use of GWP contribution coefficients taken from Table 3 in Annex B (Standard Value Table),verification requirements identified above for Path A.

ii.

For each GWP contribution coefficient resulting from an LCA:a. Summary of the LCA including at a minimum, the key LCA inputs and calculations 19, the input
and output masses and energies including sources for all process steps, and the methods
and rationale for allocating energy.
b. Copy of the independent critical review of the LCA identifying at a minimum, name of thecritical reviewer, date of the review, results of the review, and the standard(s) against which
the review was performed (i.e., ISO 14044 and/or ISO 14067, and inclusion of NPCR
029 2021).
c. Contact information, credentials and qualifications of the party conducting the independent
critical review of the LCA (e.g., number of years’ experience in the field of LCA and carbon
footprinting, number of LCAs or carbon footprints reviewed, number of LCAs or carbon
footprints conducted).
d. Verification statement from the GEC Designated Expert that is dated and identifies successful
verification of items (1) through (5) for Path B, as per the criterion.
e. Supporting data summary document from the independent third-party that identifies all
documents and records submitted by the manufacturer and reviewed for verification and any
interviews conducted with suppliers.
f.

4.2

Completed Table 1 as per Annex A.

Optional – Ultra Low Carbon Solar

The embodied carbon of the PV module, including the frame, shall be equal to or less than 400 kg CO2e / kWp.
The manufacturer shall calculate the embodied carbon of the PV module, including the frame, using the Verified
Carbon Footprint (VCF) method detailed in Annex A. The VCF can be calculated using either Path A, which utilizes
standard data tables, or Path B, which allows for customization of LCA data.
Manufacturer shall meet all requirements outlined in Criterion 4.1, except that location-based (either Nationallevel in Table 3 or Sub-National level in Table 4) or market-based electricity emission factors, as defined in Annex
A section A2., are allowed in the VCF calculation for Criterion 4.2 - Ultra Low Carbon Solar (ULCS).
Point value: 4 points
Verification requirements:a) All verification requirements from Section 4.1 must be satisfied.

19

See IEA PVPS Task 12 LCA Guidelines for additional guidance©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
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threshold.
c) If electricity emission factors from sub-national locations are used, the location of the facilities consuming
electricity must be verified as per the facility inspection report, as defined in part (3) of "Independent thirdparty verification for Path A".
d) If the LCA and resulting GWP contribution coefficient includes renewable electricity purchases that
produced EACs, verification of the following:

4.3

i.

The LCA quantified energy consumption for relevant manufacturing sites.

ii.

The EACs have been retained, retired or cancelled on behalf of the reporting entity and for the
benefit of the relevant manufacturing sites. Verification shall include review of the contractual
instruments or ownership/retirement documentation indicating the financially responsible
counterparty.

iii.

The EACs meet the requirements of RE 100 Credibility Claims (RE100). Verification shall include
review of documentation that shows participation in RE100 or independent verification that theEACs meet the requirements of RE100 or ISO 14067.

iv.

The contractual agreement that provides qualifying EACs is for the full time-period of the ULCSVCF certification.

v.

Adjustments to electricity emission factors via renewable electricity purchases is limited to 25%
across the cradle-to-gate product life cycle (i.e., including energies from each required processstep) 20.

vi.

Assignment of qualifying EACs is transparently communicated on the VCF certificate and on the
program operator website, including the unique tracking number, electricity amount, and timebasis.

Optional – Publicly Available LCI Data in IEA PVPS Task 12 Format

Primary life cycle inventory data underlying alternative GWPij coefficients (e.g., those generated for Path B) shallbe publicly available in the IEA PVPS Task 12 Life Cycle Inventory format.
Point value: 1 point
Verification requirements:a) Internet address (URL) for Life Cycle Inventory data in the format defined by IEA PVPS Task 12. 21
20

Use of purchased renewable electricity emission factors limited to protect against misrepresentation. This limit will be
reviewed for potential change during each review of the criteria as required in Section 1.
21
LCI format is defined in the 2020 LCI report (https://iea-pvps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IEA-PVPS-LCI-report2020.pdf) and may be updated by GEC and/or PVPS Task 12 in the future.

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Annex A (Normative): Verified Carbon Footprint Method
To minimize burden to PV manufacturers and build on existing methodologies, the Verified Carbon Footprint (VCF)
method is based on the French national government specification for solar and wind power facility tenders(“Cahier des charges de l’appel d’offres portant sur la réalisation et l’exploitation d’Installations de productiond’électricité à partir de l’énergie solaire - AO PPE2PV Sol,” referred to in this document as “French Tender”).
Changes made from the French Tender process are intended to ensure global applicability of the ULCS Criteria.
The VCF can be calculated in one of two ways: Path A and Path B.
•

Path A implements the VCF Method using Standard Value Tables that provide the Global Warming
Potential (GWP) contribution coefficients based on standard values. This methodology is intended to be
simpler to calculate but likely to be more conservative and/or less accurate for a specific module
producer because it is based on market average LCA studies, and primarily dependent upon verified
production locations for the PV supply chain.

•

Path B builds on the Path A approach and allows manufacturers to include supplier specific data.
Manufacturers can substitute GWP contribution coefficients for specific process steps that are derived
from supplier-specific LCA data. Path B requires additional verification steps to ensure comparability of
LCA results.

The following sections provide an overview of the VCF method (Section A1) and a detailed explanation of how to
calculate the VCF (Section A2).

A1.

Method Overview

The VCF method determines embodied carbon based solely on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessment
related to the manufacturing process of the framed 22 PV module. Any GHG emissions related to balance of systemcomponents of the PV system (e.g., racks, cables, inverters including micro-inverters) are not considered - only themodule and frame (if a frame is used) is to be considered. The embodied carbon footprint boundaries andcalculation approach is based on the IEA PVPS Task 12 LCI from 2020. 23
For crystalline silicon products, the following process steps or components including transportation are included:•

Production of basic silicon

R. Frischknecht, P. Stolz, L. Krebs, M. de Wild-Scholten, P. Sinha, V. Fthenakis, H. C. Kim, M. Raugei, M. Stucki, 2020, “Life23

Cycle Inventories and Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Systems”, International Energy Agency (IEA) PVPS Task 12,
Report T12-19:2020. Available online from: https://iea-pvps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IEA-PVPS-LCI-report2020.pdf. Thermal energy inputs for solar grade silicon are taken from the IEA PVPS Task 12 LCI update from 2022,
available online from: https://iea-pvps.org/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-environmental-life-cycle-assessment-of-electricity-from-pvsystems-2022-update/.

©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 11•oMetallurgical-grade silicon (Task 12 LCI Table 6)oSolar-grade polycrystalline silicon or polysilicon including transportation (Task 12 LCI Table 7-8)

Production of crystalline silicon ingot (ingot as brick, inclusive of pulling, bricking or squaring, andrecycling of scrap)oMono-crystalline silicon ingot (Task 12 LCI Table 9)oMulti-crystalline silicon ingot (Task 12 LCI Table 10)•

Production of the silicon wafer including transportation (Task 12 LCI Table 12-14)•

Production of the photovoltaic cell, laminate and aluminum framed modulesoCell including transportation (Task 12 LCI Table 16-18)oLaminate and aluminum framed modules including transportation (Task 12 LCI Table 19-25)

For thin film products, the VCF is based on a single integrated unit process including CdTe photovoltaic cell,
laminate, and framed module production.
The GHG emissions from other stages of the life cycle of the solar PV module are not considered (e.g.,transportation to site, commissioning and operation, installation, use, end of life). It is therefore limited to theassessment of GHG emissions related to the production of the module, the process equipment, buildings andutilities (excluding administrative and R&D). Energy used for manufacturing and operating buildings and utilities
equipment is considered in the calculation of emissions.
The VCF method is a summary of individual PV module components that are calculated via standard tables, or a
combination of standard tables and LCA calculated values. Mathematically, the method applies the following
Equation 1:

𝐺𝐺 = ∑𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝐺𝐺𝑖𝑖

(Equation 1)

Wherein:•

G is obtained by the addition of Gi, representing the values of GHG emissions of each component i of a
PV module per kilowatt-peak (kWp).

•

Gi is expressed in the same unit as G (kWp). Each Gi is obtained by Equation 2.

Wherein:•

𝐺𝐺𝑖𝑖 [

𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘2] = ∑𝑗𝑗(𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 × 𝑋𝑋𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 ) × 𝑄𝑄𝑖𝑖
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑝𝑝(Equation 2)

G [kg CO2e / kWp] represents the amount of GHG emissions generated during the manufacture of one
kWp.

©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 12•

Qi represents the amount of component i (in units defined in column 2 of Table 1) required for the
manufacture of a PV module kWp, including losses and breakages.

•

Xij, is used only when the module components are manufactured in multiple locations. It is unitless andrepresents the proportion of the total mass of module component manufactured for each manufacturingsite j of the i component (as determined in step 2 below). This coefficient is averaged over a year’s supply
from the most recent fiscal year.

•

GWPij expressed in kg CO2e, represents the global warming potential impact associated with the
manufacture of component i per unit of production for that process step (e.g., m² for the module) in the j
manufacturing site. This value is either determined by geographic location of manufacture (Path A) or via
LCA derived values (Path B), in which case it may be referred to as an ‘alternative GWP coefficient’.

A2.

Calculating the Verified Carbon Footprint

Calculation of the VCF requires access to materials and energy information across the PV module supply chain, as
depicted in Figure 1 and Table 1, and described in the sections below.

Figure 1. The process required for calculating the VCF

A2.1 Inventory of Supply Chain Materials
Calculation of the VCF for a PV module requires identification and quantification of the subsidiary components
normalized to a one kilowatt-peak functional unit. The coefficients in Table 2 are applied relative to the amount ofmaterials and components needed to manufacture each subsidiary component, and to account for losses andbreakage during module manufacturing processes.
The process steps to be included for silicon PV modules are as follows:
1) Metallurgical-grade Silicon (in kg). This value is adjusted to the weight of silicon required for the
production of one module kWp. Values shall incorporate losses and breakages.
©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 13

2) Solar-grade Silicon or polysilicon (in kg). This value is adjusted to the weight of silicon required to
produce one module kWp. Values shall incorporate losses and breakages.
3) Ingots of Silicon (in kg). Ingots within the IEA PVPS Task 12 LCI are inclusive of the pulling, bricking or
squaring, and recycling of scrap processes. This value is adjusted to the weight of silicon required for the
manufacture of one module kWp. Values shall incorporate losses and breakages.
4) Wafers (in number of wafers). This amount is adjusted to the number of wafers required for 1 kWp.
Values shall incorporate losses and breakages.
5) Cells (in number cell). This value is the number of cells needed to produce 1kWp. Values shallincorporate losses and breakages.
6) Framed Modules (in m2 of modules). This value is the unit area required to produce 1 kWp electricity. A
product with no frame can be included in this calculation if it is designed to be installed without a frame.

A2.2 Identify Manufacturing Site Location
The calculation of the VCF requires knowledge of the manufacturing site location for each PV module component,
allowing the calculation of GHG emissions that vary by geographic electricity grid emissions. If one component (i)come from different manufacturing sites (j), the proportion of the total module component manufactured for eachmanufacturing site (xij) (averaged over a year's supply) must be indicated in column 6 of Table 1. (For eachcomponent i, the sum over j of xij equals 1.) The site and each component manufacturing location are required tobe reported in Table 1.

A2.3 Determination of GWP Contribution Coefficient
Module component GWP contribution (GWPij units from Formula 2 above) may be determined using two
approaches referenced as Path A and Path B.

A2.3.A – Path A - Calculation Method via Standard Value Tables
GWPij units are determined using the contribution coefficient values provided in Annex B (Normative): Table 3,
which shows the carbon emission coefficients for the manufacturing steps for each type of PV module component
depending on the country of manufacture. The values in Annex B (Normative): Table 3 are calculated based on
the IEA PVPS Task 12 LCI and ecoinvent 3.8 electricity emission factors.
If manufacturing country is known, verifiable and shown in the table, the value of specific emission of CO2e of thecorresponding column should be used. If manufacturing country is known but is not listed in Annex B (Normative):
Table 3, a conservative specific emission value in the world will be used (i.e., row "Others" in Table 3).
For VCF calculations at the Section 4.1 LCS threshold, national-level locations must be used.

©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 14

A2.3.B – Path B - Calculation Method via Additional LCA Data
Path B shall be applied in the case where the process step manufacturer would like the value of GWPij associatedwith a specific manufacturing step to be different from those shown in Annex B (Normative): Table 3 based on
independent LCA results. VCF calculations using Path B must adhere to the following requirements:
1) The new value used for the process step(s) must be from a recent LCA, conducted within the previous
twenty-four (24) months.
2) The LCA must also have been the subject of an independent critical review according to the requirementsof ISO 14040, ISO 14044, ISO 14067 and NPCR 029 2021 (with specific additions or exceptions
listed in this section).
3) The resulting alternative GWP coefficient must also be verified by a GEC Designated Expert.
4) The LCA report must detaila. origin of data,b. time periods of inventories,c. detailed description including locations of the flow of materials and energy,d. assumptions concerning material, energy and environmental inputs and outputs,
e. the Life Cycle Impact Assessment methods applied to calculate GWP, andf.

other applicable requirements from the Reporting & Communication section of the IEA PVPS Task
12 LCA Guidelines.

5) Any use of self-generated renewable electricity from generation assets owned by the reporting entity must
include supporting evidence that Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) are not sold to any entity other than
the reporting entity, i.e., the EACs are tracked and redeemed, retired or cancelled by or on behalf of thereporting entity.
6) The LCA representing production of silicon ingot must include the pulling, bricking or squaring, and scrap
recycling processes, with no reduction of solar-grade polysilicon demand due to scrap or kerf recycling.

A2.3.B.1 – Requirements for Electricity Emission Factors within Path B Life-cycle Assessments
For VCFs pursuing section 4.1, Low Carbon Solar:
1) Path B life-cycle assessments must apply electricity emission factors 24 that are location-based (at anational level via Table 3).

Emission factors from sources such as Ecoinvent should be contrasted from “contribution coefficients” listed in Tables 3 and4, which are used within the context and assumptions of Path A and the values aggregated in Table 1.
24©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
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Page 15

2) Emission factors must be from Ecoinvent 3.8 or later and calculated using IPCC2013-GWP100a methodor later.
For VCFs pursuing section 4.2, Ultra Low Carbon Solar:
1) Path B life-cycle assessments can apply electricity emission factors that are location-based (at a nationalor sub-national level), or emission factors that are accounting for renewable electricity purchases (i.e.,market-based factors) within the limitations listed below.
2) Adjustments to electricity emission factors via renewable electricity purchases is limited to 25% across thecradle-to-gate life cycle, i.e., up to 25% of the cradle-to-gate life cycle GWP from electricity consumption
is calculated via the purchased renewable electricity emission factor, with the remainder of electricity
usage GWP is calculated based on the appropriate national or sub-national location-based emission
factor. Purchased renewable electricity emission factors should consider upstream life cycle impacts (i.e.,should be cradle-to-gate).
3) Renewable electricity purchases through market-based mechanisms must satisfy section 6.4.9.4.4 of ISO
14067. Renewable electricity purchases must apply contractual instruments that result in Environmental
Attribute Certificates (EACs). The EACs from the contractual instrument shall (adopted from ISO 14067):
a. convey the information associated with the unit of electricity delivered together with thecharacteristics of the generator,
b. be assured with a unique claim,c. be tracked and redeemed, retired or cancelled by or on behalf of the reporting entity,
d. be generated as close as possible to the reporting period to which the contractual instrument isapplied,e. be produced within the country, or within the market boundary where consumption occurs if thegrid is interconnected 25.
4) Additionally, the EACs must:a. meet RE100’s Technical Criteria 26, which aligns with ISO 14067 and provides greater
specificity for credible claims,
b. be tied to a contractual agreement that provides qualifying EACs for the full time-period of the
ULCS VCF certification whose vintage falls within a 21-months of the reporting period as
referenced in part 5.iv above,c. be exclusively and equitably assigned at a manufacturing site level and evenly distributed acrossthe entire electricity use of the named site. That is, EACs cannot be assigned preferentially to a

25
26

See Appendix B in the RE 100 Technical Criteria for additional guidance on market boundaries
https://www.there100.org/sites/re100/files/2021-08/RE100%20Technical%20Criteria%20Aug%202021.pdf©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 16

specific site or to a sub-set of a site’s production.
5) If available in the manufacturing site region, use of leadership certification programs such as Green-E todemonstrate retirement of EACs on behalf of the reporting entity is encouraged.
6) Assignment of qualifying EACs must be transparently communicated on the VCF certificate and on the
program operator website, including the unique tracking number for the EAC, number of EACs
purchased, and the temporal alignment of the EACs to the manufacturer's consumption.
7) The VCF must include results from all methods applied: from Path A, from Path B (if it is applied), and from
Path B with adjustments for renewable electricity purchases (if it is applied).

A2.4 Final Calculation of GWP
The final calculation of G is done through the addition of Gi for all i components of the module via Table 1.

©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 17

Table 1. Summation Method for Calculating the Verified Carbon Footprint of PV Modules
Column 1
Process Step 27

Si Module Steps
Silicon
Metallurgicalgrade Silicon

Silicon Solargrade

Mono-Si Ingot

Multi-Si Ingot

Si Wafers[designate monoor multi-]

Si PV Cells[designate monoor multi-]

Si PV Modules(with frame)[designate monoor multi-]
CdTe PV Module step
CdTe PV Modules(with frame)

27
28

Column 2
Quantity used toquantify amounts
for 1 kWp

Column 3
Supplier Name 28
and Site of
Manufacture(Address)

Column 4
Manufacturing
Country

Column 5
GWP contribution
coefficients (fromTable 3)

Column 6
GWPij value(Column 2* Column 5)kg

Site 1:Country 1:

X11:

kg CO2ekg

Site 2:

Country 2:

X12

kg CO2e

(…)
kg

(…)
Site 1:(…)
Country 1:

(…)
X11:

(…)
kg CO2ekg

Site 2:

Country 2:

X12

kg CO2e

(…)
kg

(…)
Site 1:(…)
Country 1:

(…)
X11:

(…)
kg CO2ekg

Site 2:

Country 2:

X12

kg CO2e

(…)
kg

(…)
Site 1:(…)
Country 1:

(…)
X11:

(…)
kg CO2ekg

Site 2:

Country 2:

X12

kg CO2e

(…)
kg

(…)
Site 1:(…)
Country 1:

(…)
X11:

(…)
kg CO2ekg

Site 2:

Country 2:

X12

kg CO2e

(…)
m2

(…)
Site 1:(…)
Country 1:

(…)
X11:

(…)
kg CO2em2Site 2:

Country 2:

X12

kg CO2e

(…)
m2

(…)
Site 1:(…)
Country 1:

(…)
X11:

(…)
kg CO2em2Site 2:

Country 2:

X12

kg CO2e

(…)

(…)

(…)

(…)

(…)

m2

Site 1:Country 1:

X11:

kg CO2em2Site 2:

Country 2:

X12

kg CO2e

(…)

(…)

(…)

(…)

(…)

Process steps can be aggregated if completed at a single location
Manufacturer may be their own supplier, in which case indicate as such.

©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 18

Table 2. Coefficients of losses and breakages for intermediates (From IEA PVPS Task 12 LCI, Table 11 andTable 15)©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 19

Annex B (Normative): Table 3 ― Standard National Values for GWP Contribution Coefficients
The values in Table 3 represent the Global Warming Potential (GWP) Contribution Coefficients (in kg CO2-eq per reference flow unit) as calculated per Annex A, based on
the IEA PVPS Task 12 Life Cycle Inventory (2020) for life cycle stage material & energy flows, and Ecoinvent 3.8 for location-based cradle-to-gate electricity emission factors(which uses IPCC2013 GWP100a v1.02 impact assessment methods).

Reference Flow

Albania

Armenia

Australia
Austria

Azerbaijan
Bahrain

Bangladesh
BelarusBelgium

Bosnia andHerzegovina
BrazilBrunei Darussalam
Bulgaria

Cambodia
CanadaChina

Croatia
CyprusCzechia

Denmark
Estonia

Finland

Silicon
Metallurgic
Grade
Kg

SiliconSolar GradeMono-Si
Ingot

Multi-Si
Ingot

Mono-Si
Wafer

Multi-Si
Wafer

Mono-Si PV
Cell

Multi-Si PV
Cell

10.49511.96318.044

1.548

3.128

3.283

7.958

8.940

19.53417.367

11.46451.09237.760

7.300

7.047

7.852

12.48815.23114.72617.54715.917
11.78418.346
11.37015.83914.91914.99511.10320.19314.17420.02618.45911.98018.50911.768kg

23.05731.92129.67242.23931.68321.28737.79312.16034.63329.17330.87011.25654.02527.29942.01938.07721.78038.20221.246©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

kg

15.73617.26125.24023.77131.97827.23715.21534.30314.01027.01124.33524.55413.23239.67522.16739.19034.631
15.78434.77615.167

kg

2.482
2.816
4.562
4.240
6.036
4.998
2.369
6.544
2.105
4.949
4.364
4.412
1.935
7.719
3.889
7.613
6.616
2.493
6.648
2.358

m2

3.771
3.990
5.185
4.966
6.187
5.474
3.686
6.525
3.506
5.448
5.042
5.083
3.391
7.324
4.720
7.252
6.574
3.770
6.595
3.678

m2

m2

m2

Mono-Si PV
Module(w frame)m2

Multi-Si PV
Module(w frame)
m2

CdTe PV
Module(w frame)
m2

42.32342.32536.2854.025

10.32111.3034.290

11.16512.147

5.677
5.421
6.847
6.024
3.935
7.251
3.725

22.503
15.57814.76519.30516.68210.032
20.591
9.366

5.984

16.5575.557

15.198

5.519
3.590

15.0778.936

23.48516.56015.74820.28717.66411.01521.57310.34817.54016.05916.181
9.918

8.185

23.56224.5448.100

23.29424.276

5.143
7.308
4.034
7.334
3.926

13.87820.772
10.34720.85310.00614.86021.755
11.33021.83510.98839.54351.95842.08046.48145.83849.42946.44441.18449.53641.56847.25645.17446.18141.22752.77644.22651.67449.67941.43349.74341.16339.54351.96042.08046.48345.84049.43146.44441.18449.53641.56947.25845.17446.18341.22952.79844.22651.67449.67941.43349.74341.16344.81461.24442.78948.32046.14551.43552.61236.55218.34637.66849.20549.35253.58730.91662.64944.28262.22261.41139.15859.31238.711Page 20

France

Georgia

Germany
Gibraltar
GreeceHong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India

Indonesia

Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Iraq
IrelandIsrael
Italy

Japan

JordanKazakhstan

Korea, Democratic
People's Republic ofKorea, Republic of
KosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstan
LatviaLebanonLithuania

Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta

Silicon
Metallurgic
Grade

SiliconSolar GradeMono-Si
Ingot

Multi-Si
Ingot

Mono-Si
Wafer

Multi-Si
Wafer

Mono-Si PV
Cell

Multi-Si PV
Cell

Mono-Si PV
Module(w frame)

Multi-Si PV
Module(w frame)

CdTe PV
Module(w frame)

10.25417.43710.761

1.394

3.023

3.161

7.569

8.552

39.23639.236

10.25440.04636.9099.810

15.081
19.24217.67218.10713.7789.494

24.16121.36616.11019.32113.29516.70313.30816.29114.85619.96711.006
16.60623.44117.33910.12514.96519.44114.14014.31918.09413.48816.32029.57936.09744.73626.30315.5259.470

24.80432.34133.60921.016
8.551

1.112
4.466
7.114
6.115
6.392
3.638
0.911

71.70351.22010.24535.83727.797

5.121

59.25450.14225.08838.48025.12036.64530.25253.02013.10238.05050.61041.31317.11429.28750.67827.21227.66444.67525.571©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

43.09037.13919.61029.52319.64728.32524.15039.01912.95029.24349.12631.37410.38824.46637.48922.06622.58933.56920.169

8.466
7.165
3.330
5.499
3.338
5.236
4.323
7.576
1.873
5.437
9.787
5.903
1.313
4.392
7.241
3.867
3.982
6.384
3.452

2.831
5.112
6.913
6.233
6.430
4.548
2.694

2.937

6.855

7.837

5.601

15.33716.3196.911

19.50620.488

7.704
7.131
4.943
2.777

22.03220.20713.241
6.347

50.67621.18950.14250.14414.2237.329

29.94830.930

5.565

6.121

16.99217.974

6.955
4.339
5.822
4.345
5.644
5.023
7.234
3.357
5.780
8.730
6.097
2.968
5.062
7.007
4.705
4.783
6.424
4.423

7.744
4.698
6.421
4.705
6.213
5.487
8.071
3.541

25.45122.16012.46317.94712.48417.28414.97523.1998.780

26.43323.14213.44618.92913.46618.26615.95724.181
9.762

6.372

17.79218.7746.742

18.97019.953

9.827
3.096

28.7907.363

29.772
8.345

5.542

15.15016.132

5.125

13.82214.805

7.805
5.216
7.124
4.796

22.35314.11220.18512.77345.38

50.67610.191
8.778

45.38

38.67123.015

9.049
7.840

38.67123.33515.09421.16713.75548.67743.72238.26957.84754.29047.60051.68743.10748.35543.12347.83046.00452.50941.10448.23256.02049.16439.07345.23251.84044.18244.41150.12543.35248.67743.72238.26957.84954.29247.60151.68943.10748.35743.12347.83246.00652.51141.10648.23456.02049.16639.07345.23251.84244.18244.41150.12743.35234.54351.39359.69559.07559.83743.40730.12873.73865.87549.89861.32546.61455.73846.43055.81247.42761.32036.26451.39972.98156.50532.27442.34759.95141.88049.41855.44044.885

Page 21

MexicoMoldova, RepublicofMongolia
Montenegro
Myanmar
Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

North Macedonia
NorwayOman

Pakistan

Philippines
PolandPortugal
Qatar

Romania
RussiaSaudi Arabia
SerbiaSingapore
Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa
Spain

Sri Lanka
SwedenSwitzerland
Syrian Arab
Republic

Silicon
Metallurgic
Grade

SiliconSolar GradeMono-Si
Ingot

Multi-Si
Ingot

Mono-Si
Wafer

Multi-Si
Wafer

Mono-Si PV
Cell

Multi-Si PV
Cell

Mono-Si PV
Module(w frame)

Multi-Si PV
Module(w frame)

CdTe PV
Module(w frame)

15.35330.26525.597

4.640

5.230

5.739

15.77516.75845.72745.72747.991

15.18722.35015.58511.95214.55215.37410.14425.06963.63430.84717.31728.89830.3179.260

25.11445.95126.27115.70323.26625.657
10.44117.72036.21815.66233.84226.49440.20330.6489.185

14.55717.09019.891
13.27414.65813.63316.79720.00718.73613.97014.15813.27620.83012.43015.6349.426
9.367

16.70914.74928.92241.67925.03429.37225.93833.89653.19738.77426.30427.25925.04056.86422.91233.71815.35415.20838.508©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

32.4827.653

23.28238.79719.54723.57520.59329.79639.13535.43821.57222.12119.55441.52917.09426.4138.353
8.183

29.542

4.534
9.092
4.787
2.475
4.130
4.653
1.324
6.146
0.714
4.836
4.133
5.745
7.527
3.316
4.197
3.545
5.558
7.601
6.792
3.759
3.879
3.318
8.125
2.780
4.818
0.868
0.83

5.503

5.158
8.266
5.330
3.766
4.891
5.239
2.984
6.254
2.561
5.371
4.894
5.989
7.194
4.330
4.937
4.486
5.855
7.252
6.694
4.639
4.713
4.331
7.608
3.965
5.359
2.665
2.64

5.825

5.655
9.275
5.856
4.020
5.334
5.749
3.105

15.50827.03316.14810.30314.48615.8097.392

16.49028.01617.13011.28515.46816.791
8.374

6.935

19.58420.566

5.895

16.27217.2546.616

18.56919.552

2.621
5.336
8.032
4.688
5.387
4.869
6.468
8.091
7.449
5.039
5.135
4.689
8.507
4.261
5.881
2.743
2.713
6.424

5.850

14.49523.07712.42914.65713.00818.09823.26321.21913.54913.85312.43324.58811.072
16.227
6.237
6.143

17.9576.832

15.47724.05913.411
15.63913.99019.08024.24622.201
14.53114.83513.41525.57012.05417.2097.220
7.126

18.93946.42655.54246.02142.30845.61745.75340.00648.73937.87647.03045.62448.84751.50243.08045.75343.53747.56452.56050.03244.87644.20643.08353.60842.00646.99438.18238.10848.36346.42855.54446.02142.31045.61945.75340.00848.73937.87647.03245.62648.84951.50243.08045.75443.53747.56452.56250.03244.87844.20643.08353.60942.00646.99638.18238.10848.36551.03969.09569.09537.70145.57051.32351.32359.13231.49048.69546.41052.51061.26447.79745.95343.78052.21962.14160.44644.12745.63142.10637.66843.76253.27432.13934.21951.954

Page 22

Taiwan, Province ofChina
Tajikistan
ThailandTurkeyTurkmenistan
UkraineUnited ArabEmirates
United Kingdom
United States ofAmericaUzbekistan
Viet Nam
Yemen

Others(if country is notpresent in table)

Silicon
Metallurgic
Grade

SiliconSolar GradeMono-Si
Ingot

Multi-Si
Ingot

Mono-Si
Wafer

Multi-Si
Wafer

Mono-Si PV
Cell

Multi-Si PV
Cell

17.277
10.17941.037

5.864

6.070

6.711

18.87119.85317.06417.24931.19340.08730.573

5.728

5.978

6.603

18.52819.5106.452

18.04719.02915.82316.76514.79914.76912.34214.43915.89615.12720.27916.53034.55838.75628.87029.86522.68922.53934.88431.46054.40937.708©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

10.54526.96229.70423.98323.89716.83622.93827.17524.93939.92629.019

1.347
4.938
5.538
4.287
4.268
2.723
4.058
4.985
4.496
7.774
5.388

2.991
5.441
5.849
4.990
4.985
3.927
4.834
5.473
5.140
7.369
5.747

3.123
5.976
5.458
5.443
4.216
5.277
6.013
5.624
8.228
6.333

7.450

16.53014.88314.83510.92914.30516.64815.41123.70117.6688.432

17.51315.86515.817
11.91115.287
17.63016.39324.68318.651

Mono-Si PV
Module(w frame)

Multi-Si PV
Module(w frame)

CdTe PV
Module(w frame)

39.14139.14131.16349.08548.81447.23448.43445.02145.89341.89445.47447.32746.34952.90648.13449.08748.81647.23648.43645.02145.89541.89445.47647.32946.35152.90848.13654.52251.94548.46452.40445.86946.34042.57547.48550.58543.23958.82528.581Page 23

Annex C (Normative): Table 4 ― Standard Sub-National Values for GWP Contribution Coefficients
The values in Table 4 represent the Global Warming Potential (GWP) Contribution Coefficients (in kg CO2-eq per reference flow unit) as calculated per Annex A, based on
the IEA PVPS Task 12 Life Cycle Inventory (2020) for life cycle stage material & energy flows, and Ecoinvent 3.8 for location-based cradle-to-gate electricity emission factors(which uses IPCC2013 GWP100a v1.02 impact assessment methods).

Reference Flow
Brazil, Mid-western
grid
Brazil, Northeastern gridBrazil, Northern
grid
Brazil, Southeastern gridBrazil, Southern
grid
Canada, Alberta
Canada, British
Columbia
Canada, Manitoba
Canada, New
Brunswick
Canada,Newfoundland andLabrador
Canada, Northwest
Territories
Canada, Nova
ScotiaCanada, Nunavut
Canada, Ontario
Canada, Prince
Edward Island
Canada, Québec
Canada,Saskatchewan

Silicon
Metallurgic
Grade
kg

SiliconSolar GradeMono-Si
Ingot

Multi-Si Ingot

Mono-Si
Wafer

Multi-Si
Wafer

Mono-Si PV
Cell

Multi-Si PV
Cell

Mono-Si PV
ModuleMulti-Si PV
ModuleCdTe PV
Module

kg

kg

kg

m2

m2

m2

m2

m2

m2

m2

10.5099.248

11.505

1.557

3.134

3.290

7.981

8.963

40.47240.47435.675

10.63012.694

1.817

3.311

3.497

9.620

40.99240.99436.97513.01817.73311.31111.96010.91810.4288.974

17.78233.845

9.658

6.370

10.2298.301

18.80413.838
11.26932.663
10.691
9.029

3.154
2.067
1.505
6.185
1.379
1.015

12.36915.537

16.915

9.920

7.254

9.790

1.182

36.0396.924

12.36115.50916.89121.02144.79642.08418.9439.728

37.769
6.605

9.232

11.306

11.94413.82417.13331.64830.774

9.208

4.848

©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

7.721

2.740

2.735
8.246
1.060
2.064
0.729
5.772

4.220
3.481
3.099
6.281
3.013
2.765
3.938

4.558

12.01813.000

3.696

9.271

10.2536.966

19.68420.666

2.860

6.611

7.593

3.249
3.149

8.638
7.850
7.530

8.832
8.512

43.66541.49340.36949.72940.11639.38941.49440.37049.73040.11739.39038.17735.43659.56334.19733.372

10.97311.955

2.879

2.992

7.032

8.014

39.72139.72333.991

6.783

7.553

22.53351.20651.20764.470

7.682
2.796
3.479
2.571
6.000

4.226

10.96011.9428.603

24.89525.877

2.895
3.693
2.633
6.638

21.551
6.723

7.705

9.264

10.246

18.63919.621

5.887

6.870

42.82853.85039.47741.48738.81648.90242.84143.596

4.230

3.935

42.83943.66742.83053.85239.47941.48838.81848.90444.68345.13670.08733.44140.51831.79557.560Page 24

Canada, Yukon
Territory
China, Southern
Power Grid
China, State Grid
Corporation
India, Eastern gridIndia, North-eastern
grid
India, Northern gridIndia, Southern gridIndia, Western grid
US, Alaska Systems
Coordinating
CouncilUS, HICC (Hawaii)
US, Midwest
Reliability
Organization, US
part only
US, Northeast
Power Coordinating
Council, US part
only
US, ReliabilityFirst
Corporation
US, SERC Reliability
Corporation
US, Texas Regional
EntityUS, WesternElectricity
Coordinating
Council, US part
only

Silicon
Metallurgic
Grade

SiliconSolar GradeMono-Si
Ingot

Multi-Si Ingot

Mono-Si
Wafer

Multi-Si
Wafer

Mono-Si PV
Cell

Multi-Si PV
Cell

Mono-Si PV
ModuleMulti-Si PV
ModuleCdTe PV
Module10.6659.775

11.959

1.656

3.201

3.369

8.232

9.214

40.67040.67234.91455.55540.675

7.938

7.473

8.358

25.09753.21353.23563.511

16.46437.41626.47882.02420.53618.77622.83423.28025.10147.71365.79067.77775.89028.828

5.347

5.711

6.300

17.56318.54533.67634.65957.961

11.71910.052

11.36247.358

9.400

8.475

9.520

35.55348.656

6.818
9.684

53.95410.843

6.719
8.668

7.469
9.745

9.456

10.66624.11521.28227.81228.53031.46022.26528.79429.51232.44348.03160.79650.99356.15856.72559.04348.05360.79850.99556.15956.72759.04551.19181.07457.98970.20371.66077.04015.02924.53424.655

4.434

5.090

5.575

15.25416.23646.22546.22749.45615.28825.40825.406

4.598

5.201

5.705

15.66916.65246.55346.55553.73011.22011.651

13.572

2.009

3.441

3.649

9.124

10.10641.37641.37838.70414.90024.09724.278

4.351

5.034

5.510

15.04616.02846.06046.06251.42418.42814.86514.38413.59536.02823.97922.35219.683©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

34.54224.17722.77720.481

6.596

4.329
4.023

3.521

6.560

5.019
4.810

4.469

7.293

20.7235.492

14.9905.249

14.2154.850

12.94521.70515.972
15.19813.92850.55046.01645.40344.39950.55246.01745.40544.40161.59251.20149.33145.430Page 25

Annex D (Informative): Electricity CO2e Emission Factors used for Tables 3 and 4
RegionAlbania
Armenia
Australia

Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain

Bangladesh
BelarusBelgium

Bosnia andHerzegovina
BrazilBrazil Midwest gridBrazil NE gridBrazil - Northern gridBrazil SE gridBrazil – Southern
grid
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Cambodia

EF
0.141
0.275
0.963
0.323
0.572
0.526
0.782
0.634
0.259
0.855
0.221
0.143
0.371
0.180
0.216
0.135
0.627
0.544
0.550

RegionCanadaCanada - Alberta
Canada British Columbia
Canada - Manitoba
Canada New Brunswick
Canada –Nfld. & Labr.
Canada NW Territories
Canada Nova Scotia
Canada - Nunavut
Canada - Ontario
Canada P.E. Island
Canada - Québec
Canada Saskatchewan
Canada Yukon Territory
China

China - Southern
Power Grid
China State Grid Corp
Croatia
CyprusCzechia
Denmark
Estonia
FinlandFrance©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

EF
0.197
0.804
0.117
0.065
0.312
0.089
0.311
0.909
1.098
0.072
0.215
0.024
0.745
0.157
1.023
0.684
1.054
0.476
1.008
0.865
0.276
0.870
0.257
0.079

RegionGeorgia
Germany
Gibraltar

GreeceHong Kong
Hungary
IcelandIndia

India Eastern gridIndia NE gridIndia - Northern gridIndia - Southern gridIndia - Western gridIndonesia

Iran, Islamic Republicof
Iraq
IrelandIsraelItaly
Japan
JordanKazakhstan

EF
0.119
0.558
0.937
0.794
0.833
0.440
0.050
1.384
1.594
0.894
1.263
1.304
1.469
1.130
0.652
0.944
0.396
0.706
0.397
0.668
0.538
1.002

RegionKorea, Dem. People's
Rep.
Korea, Republic of
KosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstan
LatviaLebanonLithuania

Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta

MexicoMoldova, Republic of
Mongolia

Montenegro
Myanmar
Nepal

Netherlands
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman

EF
0.188
0.697
1.318
0.764
0.108
0.548
0.955
0.473
0.489
0.832
0.413
0.568
0.583
1.219
0.604
0.274
0.510
0.585
0.109
0.798
0.022
0.611

RegionPakistan
Philippines
PolandPortugal
Qatar

Romania
RussiaSaudi Arabia
SerbiaSingapore
Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa
Spain

Sri Lanka
Sudan

SwedenSwitzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan, POC
Tajikistan
ThailandTurkeyTurkmenistan

EF

Region

EF

0.511
0.741

UkraineUnited Arab Emirates

0.533
0.530

0.520

USA - ASCC

0.554

0.996
0.394
0.427

United Kingdom
USA

0.394

USA - HICC
USA - MRO, US partonly
USA - NPCC, US partonly
USA -Reliability FirstCorp
USA - SERC
Reliability Corp
USA - Texas Regional
EntityUSA – WECC, US part
only

0.317

Viet Nam

0.714
1.006
0.891
0.457
0.474
1.081
0.609
0.434

Uzbekistan
Yemen

0.309
0.500
0.863
0.577
0.207
0.539
0.542
0.495
0.423
0.632
0.562
1.031

0.044
0.039
0.706
0.758
0.113
0.739
0.626
0.711

Page 26

Annex E (Informative): Additional Reference Sources
While not explicitly cited elsewhere in this document, the following references are provided as informationalguides for the application of this document.
Eco-labels and voluntary agreements recognized globally including:•

NSF 457 — Sustainability Leadership Standard for Photovoltaic Modules and Inverters•

EPEAT Ecolabel

Product Category Rulesets:•

EPD Italy — PCR for PV Panel: EPDItaly 014 – rel. 1•

European PCR — The International EPD System search database•

GHG Protocol Product Standard – Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard to evaluate
full lifecycle GHG emissions of a product•

IEC TR 62726:2014 Ed. 1.0 – Guidance on quantifying greenhouse gas emission reductions•

PEFCR — Products Environmental Footprint Category Rules•

PCR – Part B for a photovoltaic module used in the building and construction industry, – The Norwegian
EPD Foundation NPCR 029 version 1.1•

UL PCR — Verify Environmental Product Declarations by using existing PCRs created by other program
operators•

PEP Ecopassport PCR — PEP is an environmental identity card

IEA PVPS Task 12 LCA Guidelines – R. Frischknecht, G. Heath, M. Raugei, P. Sinha, M. de Wild-Scholten, V.
Fthenakis, H. C. Kim, E. Alsema and M. Held, 2016, Methodology Guidelines on Life Cycle Assessment of
Photovoltaic Electricity, 3rd edition, IEA PVPS Task 12, International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems
Programme. Report IEA-PVPS T12-06:2016, ISBN 978-3-906042-38-1.
RE100 Credibility Claims – J. Braslawsky, T. Jones and M. Sotos, 2016, Making credible renewable electricity
usage claims, RE100 Technical Advisory Group.
RE100 Technical Guidance – A. Glumac, N. Fedson, J. Braslawsky, J. Critchfield, M. Ishida, T. Jones, D. Miller,
and D. Riley, RE 100 Technical Criteria, RE100 Technical Advisory Group.

©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

Page 27

Document Change History
Issue

Revision

Owner

Description of Change

Approver1

0

Vice President,
Category andCriteria
Development

Initial releaseCEO©2023 Green Electronics Council (GEC)
dba Global Electronics Council

EPEAT
Adoption Date
March 15,
2023

Publication
Date
March 17,
2023

Page 28