---
title: "Solar Panels (PV) - GWP and renovation use"
canonical_url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/solceller
markdown_url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/solceller.md
author: "Fremtidens Tegnestue"
page_type: material
primary_intent: "Explain use, GWP and renovation relevance for Solar Panels (PV)."
primary_keyword: "Solar Panels (PV)"
audience: "Homeowners, studios and agents researching material choices."
summary: "Solar panels (photovoltaic panels) convert sunlight directly into electricity. Typically installed on roofs or as facade elements. The CO₂ footprint from production is typically repaid within 1–3 years through CO₂-free electricity production. Thereafter they produce clean, renewable energy for 25–30 years."
source_basis:
  - "estimatee based on the EN 15804 average (polycrystalline silicon)"
  - "Social- og Boligstyrelsen: Klimakrav og LCA i bygningsreglementet: https://www.sbst.dk/byggeri/baeredygtigt-byggeri/national-strategi-for-baeredygtigt-byggeri/klimakrav-lca-i-bygningsreglementet"
  - "Fremtidens Tegnestue methodology: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/about/method"
  - "FT source and uncertainty principles: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/sources-and-method"
human_validation: "Whether the material fits the existing building, detail, durability, moisture and documentation needs."
responsibility_line: "AI can prepare, compile and flag uncertainty. The architect validates the consequences."
last_reviewed: 2026-06-24
last_updated: 2026-06-24
privacy_url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/privacy
related_pages:
  -
    url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials
    relation: hub
  -
    url: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/concepts/lca
    relation: concept
status: published
---
# Solar Panels (PV) - GWP and renovation use
Canonical URL: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/solceller
Markdown URL: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/solceller.md
Entity type: material
Language: en
Author: Fremtidens Tegnestue
Published: 2026-06-24
Last updated: 2026-06-24
Privacy: https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/privacy
## Short answer
Solar panels (photovoltaic panels) convert sunlight directly into electricity. Typically installed on roofs or as facade elements. The CO₂ footprint from production is typically repaid within 1–3 years through CO₂-free electricity production. Thereafter they produce clean, renewable energy for 25–30 years.
## Who it is relevant for
Homeowners, studios and agents researching material choices.
## What FT can prepare
- Summarise material properties, GWP, common uses, renovation relevance and alternatives.
## What the architect validates
- Whether the material fits the existing building, detail, durability, moisture and documentation needs.
## Key figures

| Metric | Value |
| --- | --- |
| GWP | 500 kg CO₂-eq/kWp |
| Density | 10–15 kg/m² |
| Expected lifetime | 25–30 years (output loss ~0.5% per year) |
## Use

- Roof-mounted PV systems
- Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
- Carports and pergolas
- Balcony systems (plug-in)
## Renovation relevance
Solar panels are an obvious measure during roof renovation — install them while roof access is open. Combine with adding insulation and replacing roofing to maximise the investment.
## Comparison

| Material | GWP |
| --- | --- |
| Monocrystalline Si |  |
| Polycrystalline Si |  |
| Thin-film CdTe |  |
| Perovskite (future) |  |
## FAQ
### What is the CO₂ payback time for solar panels?
Monocrystalline silicon cells have a CO₂ payback time of approximately 1–2 years in Danish sunlight conditions. Over 25 years they typically produce 10–20 times more CO₂-free energy than used in production.
### What is the average output in Denmark?
A 1 kWp system typically produces 850–1,000 kWh/year in Denmark. A standard house with 4 kWp on the roof produces approximately 3,500–4,000 kWh/year — enough to cover 50–70% of an average house's consumption.
### What happens to solar panels at end of life?
Solar panels can be partially recycled (aluminium frames, glass, copper are recycled). The silicon core is difficult to recycle, but EU directives are tightening requirements for producer responsibility for recycling.
### Do solar panels require planning permission?
In Denmark, solar panels normally do not require building permission, but the municipality must be notified. In certain heritage and listed areas there are restrictions. The local plan may impose limitations.
## Sources and basis
- estimatee based on the EN 15804 average (polycrystalline silicon)
- [Social- og Boligstyrelsen: Klimakrav og LCA i bygningsreglementet](https://www.sbst.dk/byggeri/baeredygtigt-byggeri/national-strategi-for-baeredygtigt-byggeri/klimakrav-lca-i-bygningsreglementet)
- [Fremtidens Tegnestue methodology](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/about/method)
- [FT source and uncertainty principles](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/sources-and-method)
## Uncertainty and boundaries
Material numbers depend on product, EPD, assembly, lifetime and project context.
## Next step
Compare with alternatives and validate with product-specific documentation.
## Related pages
- [Materials](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials): hub
- [LCA](https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/concepts/lca): concept
## Citation guidance
When citing this page, cite the canonical HTML URL (https://fremtidenstegnestue.dk/en/knowledge/materials/solceller) as the public source and use this Markdown URL only as the agent-readable representation. Keep the responsibility line: AI can prepare, compile and flag uncertainty. The architect validates the consequences.