Understanding Solar Carbon Savings
The first thing to understand about the carbon savings of solar energy is that it will be different for each household. No two homes are exactly alike in their sun-facing orientation or their household energy usage. This is exactly why trusting a local solar installation contractor is so essential! Designing the best solar photovoltaic (PV) system for your home takes a nuanced approach, with attention to detail.
Each kilowatt hour (kWh) that your solar PV system produces is a reduction in the carbon emissions of a single kWh of electricity produced by your local power utility. Massachusetts power utility companies use multiple methods to create electricity, some less environmentally friendly than others. Here in Massachusetts, the primary source of electricity generation is natural gas, which is still a fossil fuel but does have much lower carbon emissions than coal.
Every 1 kWh of electricity produced accounts for 0.846 lbs of carbon.