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236 R. Laleman et al.

efficiency are also relevant. In the case of PV, the EI 99 method stressed that PV
systems are quite mineral-intensive compared with fossil fuel alternatives.
A closer look at the aspect of mineral extraction revealed that about 1.6 grams
of iron ore and 1.2 grams of aluminum ore are necessary for the production of
1 kWh of PV electricity, this relatively high amount of minerals that are needed
for the production of a PV system should be acknowledged. This fact is not
mentioned nor stressed in much of the literature, which mainly focuses on
emissions.
This chapter has tried to show that one cannot overstress the fact that LCIA
methods should always be evaluated with care. The chosen methodology and
assumptions clearly have a major impact on the overall conclusions drawn from a
LCA. Most reviews mention only energy efficiency and greenhouse gas parameters
or only mention results for PV systems in regions with a high irradiation. Hope-
fully, this chapter will contribute to a more careful and complete approach toward
life cycle analysis in the renewable energy literature.

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