Life-cycle analysis of a Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) for building-integrated applications is conducted. Two configurations (with and without reflective film) are examined: based on embodied energy/embodied carbon, multiple scenarios and databases. Several environmental indicators are calculated for Exeter, Barcelona, Madrid, Dublin and Paris. Among the studied cities, considering both configurations, Greenhouse-gas Payback Time (GPBT) has the highest values for Paris (27.2-33.1 years) and the lowest values for Dublin (33-4 years). Regarding Energy Payback Time (EPBT) (average based on two databases; CPV with reflective film), Barcelona and Madrid show the minimum values (about 2.4 years) while Paris, Exeter and Dublin show EPBTs 3.2-3.5 years. Reflective film results in 0.2% increase in system initial footprint (embodied energy and embodied carbon; material manufacturing of the modules) while on a long-term basis, this additional impact is compensated (since the CPV with reflective film has higher electrical output). By using the reflective film there is a reduction of about 11-12% in EPBT and GPBT, depending on the scenario. The energy return on the investment is also evaluated, showing the highest values for Madrid and Barcelona among the studied cities. Moreover, EPBT is calculated with an alternative way by considering replacement of the materials of a wall. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.