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  5. We have solar panels. Does that make us carbon neutral?
How do I measure my household’s emissions? What does it cost for a household to be carbon neutral? We buy "green power." Does this make us carbon neutral? We have solar panels. Does that make us carbon neutral? How do we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions?

We have solar panels. Does that make us carbon neutral?

Answer

No. Having solar panels does not make your household carbon neutral.

Imagine a two person household in Indianapolis. Without more qualifying information, their total carbon footprint is about 50 mtCO2e annually. Only 5% of that is from electricity (source).

Getting 100% of electricity from renewable sources (e.g. solar) is important and a great first step. Even if they did, however, their approximate carbon footprint would still be around 47 mtCO2e annually: