Emissions Factor
The amount of CO₂ (or CO₂ equivalent) emitted per unit of electricity generated, typically in lbs CO₂/kWh or kg CO₂/MWh. It varies by region based on the generation mix.
Why It Matters
Your electricity's emissions factor determines how much CO₂ your solar system displaces. In coal-heavy regions (0.9 kg CO₂/kWh), solar displaces more emissions than in clean-grid areas (0.2 kg CO₂/kWh).
Related Topics
Related Terms
Carbon Intensity
The amount of CO2 emissions per unit of electricity generated. Varies by grid mix (coal, gas, renewables).
Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).
eGRID
The EPA's Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database — the definitive source for emissions data on U.S. power plants and electric grids, organized by region and subregion.