Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are gases released into the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming and climate change. The primary greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. Burning fossil fuels for electricity generation is one of the largest sources of GHG emissions in the United States.

The US electric power sector is responsible for approximately 25% of total national GHG emissions. By generating electricity from solar panels instead of fossil fuel power plants, homeowners directly reduce GHG emissions. A typical residential solar system offsets 3–8 metric tons of CO₂ per year, depending on the local electricity grid mix and system size. Over a 25-year lifespan, that adds up to 75–200 metric tons of avoided emissions per household. While manufacturing solar panels does produce some GHGs, the emissions are recovered within the first 1–3 years of clean electricity generation. After that, every kilowatt-hour produced is essentially emissions-free. Solar energy’s role in reducing GHG emissions is one of the key environmental motivations for both individual homeowners and national energy policy.