Switching to solar panels is one of the most effective ways you can cut your carbon footprint as a UK household. By generating clean electricity directly from the sun, solar panels produce power without releasing harmful greenhouse gases, unlike coal, oil or natural gas. Every unit of solar energy reduces our reliance on the finite supply of fossil fuels and helps fight climate change.
What Do We mean by “Carbon Footprint”?
Your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂), released as a result of your activities. It covers both direct emissions like burning gas for heating or driving and indirect emissions such as the CO₂ released when generating electricity through traditional means.
When fossil fuels are burned, the CO₂ released traps heat in our atmosphere, disrupting the planet’s natural balance. The greenhouse effect is the leading cause of global warming.
The UK’s Carbon Footprint Today
The good news is the UK has cut emissions significantly since the 1990s, mainly by embracing renewable energy. In 1990 more than 65% of electricity generated was using coal-fired power stations compared to just 1.8% in 2023. However, with 384 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions produced in the UK in 2023, there is still a long way to go.
What About the Carbon Footprint of Solar Panels Themselves?
Manufacturing of solar panels produce some CO₂, the average is around 41g of CO₂ per kWh of solar energy produced. In comparison, coal generates 800g and natural gas produces 500g of CO₂ per kWh. Over their lifespan, solar panels also use less water, cause less disturbance to land and avoid harmful by-products in manufacturing. Solar’s footprint is always shrinking with technological and manufacturing advances and long-lasting parts.
How Much Can Solar Save?
For a typical UK home, a solar PV system can cut around one tonne of CO₂ every year, the equivalent to driving 3,600 miles, growing 16 trees or charging over 85,000 smart phones. The positive environmental impact is huge compared to the relatively small negative environmental impact.
Why it Matters
By installing solar panels, you’re not only reducing your household’s carbon footprint, you’re also helping the UK rely less on imported fossil fuels (a major contributor to rising energy prices).
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
At SolarTherm UK, we believe solar is one of the most practical, affordable and powerful ways to tackle climate change whilst giving homeowners energy control back. Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free bespoke solar quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy goals. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – we let the figures do the talking.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
