FuturaSun, a leading Italian manufacturer of high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, has launched the first Carbon Neutral photovoltaic module at Intersolar in Munich, the world's leading event in the renewable energy sector.
The photovoltaic industry contributes significantly to the decarbonisation strategy worldwide.
Any photovoltaic module generates far more energy in its life cycle than is used to make it: in fact, within 1-2 years, a photovoltaic system returns all the energy used during its production process.
FuturaSun, which has always been attentive to the environmental aspects of its operation, has chosen to formalise its commitment by setting targets for reducing its emissions.
With the scientific approach that distinguishes it, FuturaSun has had the carbon footprint of its best-selling panel, Silk® Plus 400-410 Wp, accurately measured thanks to an LCA study carried out according to the ISO 14025 standard.
On these carbon emissions, which cannot be avoided for the time being, FuturaSun decided to take action, offsetting them through a carbon credit project – a certified tool for CO2 emission reduction. This method allows for carbon emissions to be offset by supporting certified projects aimed at absorbing or avoiding emissions in other contexts.
The company decided not to buy carbon credits from just any project on the market, but to support a specific project in a structural way by becoming an active partner in it.
Our project aims at the construction of an aqueduct in Kenya which, thanks to a 45 kW photovoltaic system with FuturaSun modules, will supply drinking water to around 50,000 people in Siaya County on Lake Victoria.
Until now, the local population has had to cope with a lack of drinking water, resulting in health problems and deforestation due to the inefficient boiling methods. Women and children, usually in charge of the water supply, will no longer have to spend up to three hours a day walking to fetch water, they will instead be able to collect it from the distribution points near their homes.
The project is certified under GS11544 by Gold Standard and will generate around 15,000 carbon credits per year for 15 years. GoldStandard is a certifying body that establishes the requirements for implementing
projects for the maximum positive impact on the climate and the simultaneous improvement of people's living conditions.
The construction of the aqueduct, in fact, has both environmental and social value, also contributing to the pursuit of seven UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include access to drinking water, improved economic conditions and gender equality.
This is an articulated and pioneering carbon neutrality project willing to offer the market the tested Silk Plus module in the Carbon Neutral version. In addition to the well-known technical characteristics of energy efficiency (more than 21% equal to 210 Wp/m2) and guaranteed performance (87% at the end of the 25th year of operation), the Silk Plus Carbon Neutral product data sheet now includes the statement that the carbon footprint has been calculated and residual emissions are offset thanks to the Gold Standard certified project.
FuturaSun is proud to offer its customers a photovoltaic module that meets the highest standards of social and environmental sustainability, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for all.
