Off-Grid Solar Carbon Offset Calculator

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.

System Specifications
Emission Settings
Economics & Payback

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:

Grid Emission Factors by Region

Region / Country Emission Factor
(kg CO₂ / kWh)
USA (National Avg.)0.50
Canada (National Avg.)0.14
European Union0.30
India1.00
Australia0.80
Global Average0.60

Sources: US EPA eGRID (2021), Canada National Inventory Report (2021), EEA Electricity Production (2021), IEA CO₂ Emissions from Fuel Combustion (2021)

Glossary of Key Terms

Peak Sun Hours
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.
References
Formulae Used
Daily Energy Generated
kW array size × peak sun hours/day × system efficiency
Annual Energy
Daily Energy × 365 days
Annual CO₂ Offset
Annual Energy × emission factor
Trees Equivalent
Annual CO₂ Offset ÷ 21 kg CO₂/tree
Gasoline Equivalent
Annual CO₂ Offset ÷ 2.31 kg CO₂/L gasoline
Annual Savings
grid portion × electricity rate + gasoline equivalent × diesel cost
Payback Period
installed cost ÷ annual savings
How It Works

This calculator factors array size, sun hours, efficiency, and emission sources (grid vs diesel) to estimate CO₂ avoided, lifetime offsets, cost savings, and payback.

More Tools & Resources

Looking for more ways to plan your off-grid system? Check out our additional calculators and resources:

→ More Calculators