"Our data analysis has shown that the production of Q Cells PV modules causes comparably low CO2 emissions," said Nicolas Planchenault, a carbon footprint expert at Solstyce.

In the institute´s final report a CO2 consumption of below 400kg/kW has been confirmed (399.4kg CO2/kW) on 24 June 2014.

This puts Hanwha Q Cells in the position to bid in public tender calls for PV projects in France, where an independently-confirmed low carbon footprint is a required precondition for participation, the company says.

"France