Solar power has many benefits (Read about all the benefits of Solar here), the biggest one being that solar panels don’t produce any carbon emissions once manufactured. Solar electricity is one way to produce electricity without impacting the environment with carbon emissions. This aspect is often highlighted but how much do solar panels reduce carbon footprint?
According to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, “Australian households generate at least one-fifth of Australia’s greenhouse gases – more than 18 tonnes per household each year. Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, annual greenhouse gas emissions can vary from as low as 3 tonnes up to 30 tonnes or more.”
In France, the main source of energy is nuclear power which produces a very small amount of carbon dioxide compared to others common sources of energy. The carbon offset of a solar system in France is relatively small compared to Australia. However, in Australia the main source of electricity generation is coal. Based on the above, we can consider that Australian households could avoid up to 58% of their emissions with renewable energy.
The figures are even more impressive if we take a global look:
Unfortunately, only 7% of the global electricity generation comes from wind and solar. Each kWh generated by coal fire power plant produces 1.18kg CO2. So we can consider that each kWh of electricity generated by solar saves up to 1.18kg of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.
Let’s take for example a typical Australian home with 2 adults and 2 children. As a rough estimation, this household would consume between 15 and 28 kW/h per day. If this family goes solar and installs a 5kW solar power system, their solar power system will generate approx. 20 kW/h per day. It is 8,614kg of CO2 that the household will offset each year- the equivalent of planting 395 trees!
What about the carbon footprint of solar panels manufacturing?
It is often said that it costs more in fossil fuels to manufacture solar panels than they save over the life of the system. Contrary to the critics, a recent research shows that the carbon footprint of solar is lower than coal or gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS). This remains true after accounting for emissions during manufacture, construction and fuel supply. It takes only about one year to cancel the carbon footprint necessary to produce a panel!
With the urge to act for climate change, solar power is a solution accessible to (almost) everyone. Go solar and reduce your carbon footprint with Energis! Contact us on 1300 782 217 or via email at sales@energis.com.au
