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Environmental and economic impacts of solar panels

Solar panels are lighting up the world as a go-to choice for homes and businesses. But what makes them so special? This 2025 update shows exactly how panels conserve trees, cut carbon and boost your wallet.

Solar array at sunrise

How many trees are saved by solar panels?

One mature tree absorbs about 48 lb (22 kg) of CO₂ each year. A single 550 W panel avoids roughly 10 t CO₂ over 25 years—equivalent to 180 trees.

Household impact

A typical 7 kW Delhi rooftop system offsets 18,480 lb (8.4 t) CO₂ per year, equalling the work of 385 trees annually … and more than 9,600 trees across its life.

Solar energy vs fossil fuels

  • Coal-based grid electricity emits 0.9 kg CO₂/kWh.
  • Delhi’s rooftop solar delivers at 0 kg direct emissions.
  • Switching a 5 kW home cuts about 6 t CO₂/year—the same as taking 2 cars off the road.

Economic gains from solar panels

Benefit Typical Delhi 5 kW system
Annual bill offset ₹50,000
PM Surya Ghar subsidy ₹78,000
Pay-back (with GBI) 3–4 years
Lifetime savings (25 years) ₹11–13 lakh

See your own numbers with our ROI calculator.

Additional environmental wins

  • Air pollution – Solar cuts SO₂, NOₓ and PM2.5 from coal plants.
  • Water savings – PV uses ≈95% less water than thermal generation.
  • Recyclability – 95% of glass and 85% of silicon can now be recovered; India will mandate module recycling by 2027.

Technological innovations

2025 panels hit 23% commercial efficiency; n-type TOPCon and HJT degrade only 0.25%/year vs 0.45% for older PERC modules—meaning more lifetime carbon savings.

Frequently asked questions

How long do solar panels last?
Tier-1 panels carry 25-year performance warranties and often produce power for 30+ years.

Do panels work during monsoon?
Yes—output drops 15–30%, but rain also removes dust, boosting efficiency.

Will my concrete roof need reinforcement?
Most RCC roofs handle the 10–15 kg/m² load; an engineer’s check is part of a site survey.

What is the hidden cost of solar?
Skipping cleaning. In Delhi, dust can shave 10% of output; monthly rinsing or a robotic cleaner solves it.

Is solar financially worth it in 2025?
With 78,000 ₹ CFA, 3 ₹/kWh GBI and rising tariffs, typical pay-back is 3 – 5 years.



Last updated: 28 June 2025
_Sources: IPCC AR6 emission factors; MNRE CFA guidelines May 2025; PVEL Scorecard 2024; Delhi Solar Policy 2023.