Average Solar System Size Offset

Have you ever wondered what going solar actually offsets for the environment? How many cars you have taken off the road by going solar or how many trees your system is equivalent to planting? We took a look at the average system size for 2020 (9 kW) to see what it would offset over 20 years. The numbers are beneficial for your carbon footprint and the environment. Going solar is a great way to offset many pollutants in the environment. 

9 kW Solar System Equivalent Offset's Over 20 Years

Pounds of Coal Burned: 140,240 pounds
Over 20 years your solar system can offset 140,240 pounds of coal from being burned! That is a huge way to help the environment and help prevent pollutants from coal getting into the air. 

Barrels of Oil Consumed: 294 barrels
294 barrels of oil is equivalent to 12,348 gallons of oil. If you purchase one gallon of milk per week it is equivalent to the amount of milk you would buy over 237 years. Your solar system can offset a huge amount of oil consumed! 

Number of Smart Phones Charged: 16,230,660
Having your solar system for 20 years can offset over 16 million smart phones charging! It's easy to say that charging your smart phone, and those of anyone who comes to your home, will be easily offset by your solar system. 

Miles Driven by a Passenger Vehicle: 315,800 miles
It is common for people to keep their vehicle until it hits about 100,000 miles. A 9 kW solar system can offset the miles you drive of 3 different cars you own, if kept for 100,000 miles. 

Gallons of Gasoline: 14,320 gallons
If we use the analogy from above of buying a gallon of milk once a week, 14,320 gallons would be equivalent to 275 years worth of milk. That is a lot of gasoline that is being offset by a 9 kW solar system. 

Acres of US Forest Equivalent: 166 acres of forest
During 20 years of a 9 kW solar system being used, it would be equivalent to planting 166 acres of US forest. That is a large parcel of land that would be fostering plant and animal life. 

Tree Seedlings Grown for 10 Years: 2,100 seedlings
A 9 kW solar system is equivalent to planting 2,100 seedlings and allowing them to grow for 10 years. The benefits of more plants and trees in the environment includes reducing carbon and maintaining habitats for wildlife. 

Tons of Waste Recycled Instead of Landfilled: 44 tons
44 tons is equal to 88,000 pounds of trash being recycled instead of being brought to a landfill. A 9 kW system over 20 years can help offset a huge amount of waste in the environment. 

Incandescent Lamps Switched to LEDs: 4,840 switched
 Having a 9 kW solar system run for 20 years is equivalent to switching 4,840 incandescent lamps to LEDs. If every household had 10 lamps that they switched over it would be equivalent to just under 500 homes making the switch. Making the switch to LEDs is a smart decision for everyone. 

*Based on calculations done on the EPA's website.
Are you interested in what your offset could be if you went solar? Are you looking to make the switch to help reduce your carbon footprint? Reach out to us today and we can help you make the switch to solar and reduce your carbon footprint!
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