Solar’s role in the energy transition is well established, but how much carbon does a solar farm actually prevent from entering the atmosphere? As scrutiny of green claims intensifies, robust data and transparent calculations are essential to demonstrating the true climate benefits of photovoltaic (PV) projects.
In just a few years, photovoltaics has gone from an alternative technology to a pillar of the energy transition. In 2025, global solar electricity generation grew by 30% and met 75% of the increase in global electricity demand. This growth confirms solar’s role in transforming electricity systems.
As installed capacity increases, however, how can we demonstrate that this generation actually helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
For a long time, the promise seemed simple: generating solar electricity reduces dependence on fossil fuels. That remains true, but investors and non-financial reporting requirements now demand stronger evidence. Tackling greenwashing also means backing climate benefits with solid data, clearly stated assumptions and a verifiable methodology.
Measuring avoided emissions depends on the reference scenario
Avoided emissions are the difference between the emissions of a reference scenario, describing what would have happened without the project, and those of the scenario in which the project goes ahead. This indicator complements a traditional carbon footprint assessment, which accounts for the emissions generated by an activity. Avoided emissions estimate its contribution to decarbonisation.
The two results must be reported separately, rather than added together as though they measured the same thing.