Photovoltaic expertise

Photovoltaic expertise

At Kapstan, we draw on our hands-on experience gained from auditing numerous photovoltaic module production plants in Asia and around the world.

The team has in-depth knowledge of the photovoltaic sector, from industrial dynamics and emerging technologies to major market trends and regulations.

Polysilicon purification

Polysilicon is the essential raw material for photovoltaic cells. Its production is particularly energy-intensive, and represents the main source of carbon impact in a module’s life cycle. Optimizing its supply and purification processes is therefore a key lever for reducing the environmental footprint of photovoltaics.

Wafer cutting

The wafers produced by cutting the silicon ingots are one of the most critical stages in terms of material loss. Their manufacture has a major impact on the module’s overall yield and carbon footprint, particularly as a function of thickness and sawing loss.

Cell production

Photovoltaic cells, manufactured from wafers, incorporate various chemical treatments and metallizations, depending on the technology used (PERC, HJT, TopCON). This stage is both energy-intensive and chemical-intensive, and determines the module’s final yield. It also accounts for a significant proportion of the module’s environmental impact.

Module assembly

The photovoltaic module comprises all the cells encapsulated in a protective structure. This stage determines the durability and performance of the final product. Although it represents a smaller part of the carbon footprint, it is essential to guarantee product quality and compliance with international standards.

EPD, PEP and FDES

EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) are standardized documents that provide transparent, comparable information on a product’s environmental impact on an international scale. In France, their equivalent for electrical, electronic and HVAC equipment is the PEP ecopassport®, a specific form of FDES (Fiche de Déclaration Environnementale et Sanitaire). These declarations are indispensable in sustainable construction and environmental certification processes.

LCA ISO 14067

An ISO 14067 LCA focuses on a product’s carbon footprint, assessing all the greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout its life cycle: raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport, use and end-of-life. This approach provides a precise view of a product’s impact on the climate, and is an essential tool for guiding emission reduction strategies.

The methodology applied

Kapstan is based on ADEME’s current methodology, including the impact of changes in land use. In addition, highly detailed and specific modelling of the photovoltaic module has been added, enabling us to challenge standards and obtain particularly accurate results that are representative of industrial reality.

Reverberation study

Also known as a glare study, this type of survey is designed to study and quantify annoyance for surrounding subjects, with the aim of eliminating the need for specific modules. Kapstan has been carrying out this type of study for several years, not only at airports, but also on roads and railroads.

Module purchasing support

Full support, including analysis of bids, drafting of tenders, supply of a purchase contract and negotiation support. Our expertise will enable us to challenge low-carbon issues, but also and above all quality aspects.

Productivity study

Precise estimate of a power plant’s electricity production, taking into account factors such as the choice of meteorological base, the use of bifacial modules and the calculation of production probabilities (P50, P90, P99).

Training formats

• Face-to-face or online
• In French or English
• One-day courses