When you hear the words "climate action," what is the first thing that comes to mind?
For many, climate action represents the intentional choices of an individual or organization working towards a greener planet for future generations.
As human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, like carbon dioxide, continue to escalate global temperatures, climate action is now more important than ever to reduce the severity and frequency of extreme weather events, increased droughts, rising sea levels, and other environmental consequences.
Thankfully, many people, companies, cities, and countries out there are working against climate change and mitigating the growing effects of global warming.
With international agreements like the 2015 Paris Agreement, legislative actions like the 2022 US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the dozens of states with net zero emission targets, climate action is everywhere today, and there are opportunities for nearly everyone to create some sort of positive, lasting environmental impact.
In this article, we put the spotlight on renewable electricity to showcase the critical role of solar power in climate action, including how to get involved and the impact you can make as a homeowner in the US today.
See how much you can save by going solar with Palmetto
Carbon Emissions, Energy Consumption, and the Climate Crisis
Although naysayers may always naysay, there is no denying the climate crisis in today's day and age, since we’re already witnessing its effects.
According to NASA, human-generated carbon emissions have already created irreversible environmental effects for people currently alive, and sustained global warming is expected unless corrective climate action is taken.
So, where are all of these emissions coming from?
Well, here in the US, about one fourth of total US greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), or approximately the equivalent of 1,600 million metric tons of CO₂, are generated by electric power production, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
An emissions equivalency calculator from the EPA estimates that it would take roughly 2 billion acres of forest to sequester the same amount of pollution. To put that into perspective, the United States covers about 2.3 billion acres.
Source: EPA
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production
Globally, energy production creates more than three-quarters of total greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels, according to the International Energy Agency. Currently, the largest producers of GHGs from energy production worldwide are coal (representing 44% of global emissions), followed by oil (32%) and natural gas (22%).
Comparatively, solar, wind, and nuclear power sources have significantly lower carbon footprints than these fossil fuel sources.
Even when considering the greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing, transportation, and construction, renewable energies are vital in decarbonizing the world's electricity supply.
The Role of Solar Energy in Combating Climate Change
Solar energy could be the most important green power source for effective climate action, considering its low lifetime costs, minimal carbon footprint, and easy access for end users.
Available anywhere the sun shines, solar energy can be used to combat the effects of climate change in every corner, nook, and cranny of the earth, both in urban and rural areas alike. It empowers people, companies, and countries to mitigate climate change with every panel installed.
According to SEIA, the US solar industry has already offset the carbon sequestered equivalent of 3.7 billion trees as of 2024, with sustained growth projected through the end of the decade and beyond.
Solar energy for homeowners
The number of solar panels installed on homes in the US has skyrocketed in the last 15 years, as national and local climate action efforts have supported the development of distributed energy generation.
By taking advantage of climate-friendly policies, tax incentives, and more, nearly 4% of US homes have gone solar, reducing their energy bills and carbon emissions with sustainable electricity generated directly on their properties.
Environmental benefits of renewable energy at home
In 2023, over 60% of electricity in the US was generated from fossil fuels. Meanwhile, solar energy contributed to just 4% of the national total.
Wherever rooftop solar is installed, it’s likely to generate cleaner power than what’s supplied by the grid. Sites like Electricity Maps can give you an idea of the relative emissions intensity of electricity near you. The US Energy Information Administration lets you know how electricity is generated in your state.
Exact carbon offsets for solar panels can be difficult to calculate, but renewable energy and smart grids are changing the way electricity is produced, transported, and used in homes all over the world.
Using broad averages, PV magazine estimates that a single solar panel will offset the equivalent carbon emissions of 10 mature trees in its lifetime. Considering that most home solar systems contain at least a dozen panels, that's like planting a small forest on every rooftop!
| Energy Source | Lifetime Emissions |
|---|---|
| Wind | 13 |
| Nuclear | 13 |
| Geothermal | 37 |
| Photovoltaic solar | 43 |
| Natural gas | 486 |
| Oil | 840 |
| Coal | 1001 |
Data source: National Renewable Energy Lab (emissions are measured in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt hour
Financial benefits of home solar
Despite its potential to mitigate the effects of climate change, ultimately, saving money is the number one reason most people choose to go solar in the US.
While exact financial benefits vary for every installation, most homeowners can successfully reduce their electricity costs within the long operating lifespan of their solar power system in avoided utility energy expenses.
Across the country, there are also many federal and local financial incentives in place to combat climate change and make sustainable energy more affordable for homeowners. Taking advantage of these incentives and programs is critical in reducing the total costs of any home solar project.
Use our solar calculator to see your potential savings today.
See how much you can save by going solar with Palmetto
Transitioning to Solar Energy: Practical Steps for Homeowners
Although it can be intimidating for first-timers, the solar panel installation process will be very straightforward when you’re working with a trusted energy partner. Here’s how a typical installation proceeds.
If you buy your solar panels, you’ll work with a solar advisor to understand your energy needs and how solar panels can meet them. You’ll also discuss whether additional equipment, like batteries, should be a part of your system.
Once you’ve agreed to a system design and finalized a contract, your solar installer will handle permitting, installation, and getting permission to connect your panels to the grid.
Buying or leasing solar panels: Which path to climate action?
When you’re going solar, buying or leasing solar panels will be one of your most important choices along the way.
Although paying cash or financing your investment will typically lead to the most savings in the long run, solar leases, like Palmetto’s LightReach Energy Plan, can help you go solar without the upfront cost. With a lease, the company that owns the panels typically monitors, maintains, and services the panels.
Embrace Renewable Power Right on Your Roof
Ultimately, climate action can take many different forms today, and it can be challenging to know what endeavors are worth the effort, time, or investment.
With that said, installing solar panels is a great way to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions today.
If you’re interested in going solar, here are some next steps you can take.
- Learn if solar panels are suitable for your roof
- Use our home solar feasibility checklist
- Or reach out to a Palmetto solar advisor today
See what solar can do for you:
Brian ChurchWriterBrian is a writer, NABCEP PV associate and outdoor enthusiast living in Denver, Colorado. As a freelancer, Brian has written hundreds of articles to help individuals, businesses and our planet benefit from solar power and sustainable energy systems.
