Estimate the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by replacing grid or diesel power with an off-grid solar PV system.
Supported regions: Canada, USA, India, EU, Australia, and more—just pick your emission factor.
✓ Emission factors from EPA, IEA, and national inventories (2021-2024) | Last updated: Feb 2026
Your Environmental Impact
💡 Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Carbon Offset
1. Optimize Panel Tilt: Adjust your panel angle seasonally to maximize sun exposure. Even a 10° adjustment can improve annual output by 5%, directly increasing your CO₂ offset.
2. Reduce System Losses: Minimize inverter and wiring losses by using high-quality components and keeping cable runs short. Every 1% efficiency gain equals more carbon offset.
3. Keep Panels Clean: Dust and debris can reduce output by 20%. Clean panels monthly in dusty areas, quarterly in clean environments to maintain projected savings.
4. Monitor Performance: Track your system's actual output vs. expected. Early detection of issues prevents lost carbon savings and maximizes lifetime impact.
5. Consider Battery Chemistry: Lithium batteries have a lower carbon footprint than lead-acid over their lifetime. Factor this into your total system environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does panel tilt affect my annual CO₂ offset?
Your panel tilt changes seasonal yield—flatter in winter, steeper in summer. A 10° mis-tilt can reduce annual output by ~5%, so adjust your CO₂ savings proportionally.
2. Should I factor in battery/inverter losses?
Yes—real-world systems lose 10–15% in conversions and wiring. Multiply your calculated kWh by 0.85 before applying the emission factor for ultimate accuracy.
3. Can shading or soiling really impact my offset?
Even 5% shade or dirt can drop output by up to 20%. Clean panels regularly and avoid obstructions to maintain your projected CO₂ savings.
4. What's the impact of seasonal variations?
Summer days can boost your offset by 30–40% over winter. If you want a monthly breakdown, consider using a detailed irradiance tool or API.
5. Can I use this calculator for hybrid (grid-tied + off-grid) setups?
Absolutely—reduce your "grid" percentage to match how much you export vs. self-consume, and adjust your emission factor accordingly.
Why Go Off-Grid with Solar?
Living off-grid gives you true energy independence. No more rising utility bills or blackout worries—your solar PV array and battery bank become your personal power utility.
Off-grid systems also deliver superior resilience in remote locations, ideal for cabins, tiny homes, RVs, and coastal retreats. And by generating your own clean electricity, you reduce reliance on fossil-fuel power plants and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Key benefits include:
Cost Savings: Lock in zero-cost "fuel" (sunlight) and avoid unpredictable rate hikes.
Reliability: No grid = no outages. Pair with battery storage or a small generator for 24/7 backup.
Sustainability: Shrink your carbon footprint—off-grid solar offsets an average of 0.7–1.0 kg CO₂/kWh.
Freedom: Install almost anywhere—remote cabins, boats, or off-grid retreats.
The equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1 kW/m². It's how we translate variable sun into "full-sun" hours.
System Efficiency
The combined losses (inverters, wiring, soiling) expressed as a percentage. If your panels produce 5 kWh but you only see 4 kWh at the battery, efficiency is 80%.
Emission Factor
The amount of CO₂ released per unit of electricity generation (kg CO₂/kWh). It varies by grid mix or fuel source (e.g. diesel, coal, renewables).
Diesel Backup %
The share of your energy that comes from a diesel generator instead of solar—used to adjust your CO₂ offset calculation.
Payback Period
The time (in years) it takes for your cumulative savings to cover your system's installed cost.
This calculator factors array size, sun hours, efficiency, and emission sources (grid vs diesel) to estimate CO₂ avoided, lifetime offsets, cost savings, and payback.