Solar Impact on Carbon: More Australians than ever are choosing solar, not just for the savings on their power bills but also for the positive environmental impact. One of the biggest motivators? Reducing your carbon footprint.
But how much of a difference does switching to solar really make?
In this detailed guide, we’ll help you understand:
- What a carbon footprint is
- How solar energy helps reduce emissions
- How to calculate your solar system’s carbon savings
- How much CO₂ an average Australian household can avoid releasing
- Why now is the best time to go solar
What Is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases—especially carbon dioxide (CO₂)—that are released into the atmosphere as a result of your activities. This includes:
- Energy use
- Transportation
- Food choices
- Manufacturing and shopping habits
In Australia, one of the biggest contributors to personal and household carbon emissions is electricity use—especially from coal-fired power stations.
Solar Impact on Carbon Reduction
Solar panels generate electricity using sunlight, a clean and renewable resource. This means they don’t release CO₂ or other greenhouse gases when producing electricity.
In contrast, the electricity from the grid in many parts of Australia still heavily relies on fossil fuels—mainly coal and natural gas.
Here’s what that means:
- 1 kWh of electricity from coal = about 0.85 kg of CO₂
- 1 kWh of electricity from solar = 0 kg of CO₂ (once operational)
So every time you generate and use your own solar electricity, you’re avoiding up to 850 grams of CO₂ emissions per kilowatt-hour.
How to Calculate Solar’s Carbon Footprint Reduction
Let’s walk through a simple way to estimate how much carbon you could save with a solar system at your home.
Step 1: Find Your System Size
Most Australian homes install solar systems between 5 kW and 10 kW in size.
Step 2: Estimate Annual Energy Production
A well-installed 6.6 kW system typically generates around 9,500 to 10,500 kWh per year, depending on your location and panel quality.
Step 3: Multiply by CO₂ Avoided
As mentioned earlier, using solar instead of grid electricity avoids approximately 0.85 kg of CO₂ per kWh.
So, the calculation looks like this:
- 10,000 kWh/year × 0.85 kg CO₂ = 8,500 kg (or 8.5 tonnes) of CO₂ avoided annually
That’s the equivalent of planting over 130 trees every year, or not driving your car for over 30,000 kilometres!
How Much Carbon Can an Average Household Save?
Here’s a comparison based on average solar system sizes:
System Size | Average Annual Output | CO₂ Saved Per Year | CO₂ Saved Over 25 Years |
5 kW | 7,500 kWh | 6.38 tonnes | 159 tonnes |
6.6 kW | 10,000 kWh | 8.5 tonnes | 212.5 tonnes |
10 kW | 14,000 kWh | 11.9 tonnes | 297.5 tonnes |
That’s a massive reduction—especially when you consider the average Australian emits about 15–17 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
What About the Carbon Footprint of Making Solar Panels?
This is a great question and one many Australians ask. Yes, solar panels have a “carbon cost” during manufacturing and transport. However, this is relatively small compared to their lifetime emissions savings.
- Manufacturing emissions: Around 1–1.5 tonnes CO₂ per kW installed
- Energy Payback Time: Most solar panels “repay” their manufacturing emissions within 1.5 to 3 years.
After that, it’s all emissions-free electricity generation for the rest of their 25+ year life.
Why It’s the Right Time to Go Solar
Australia is in the middle of a clean energy transition. With rising electricity prices and stronger climate policies, going solar now means you’ll:
- Lower your carbon footprint immediately
- Save significantly on electricity bills
- Protect yourself from future price hikes
- Increase the value of your property
- Do your bit for the planet
Every year you wait is a year of emissions you could have avoided—and savings you could have banked.
Final Thoughts: It All Adds Up
Switching to solar is one of the most effective personal actions you can take to reduce your environmental impact.
And when you multiply that impact across thousands of Aussie homes? That’s real change.
If you’ve been thinking about installing solar, let’s make it easy for you.
Talk to Our Expert Today
Curious about how much carbon your home could save with solar or want to know in detail about Solar Impact on Carbon? Or how much it could reduce your bills?
Call Amazing Solar now on 1300 025 955 and speak to one of our solar experts. We’ll guide you through your options and help you calculate the exact carbon and financial benefits tailored to your home.
