Yes, solar panels reduce carbon footprint. Solar energy does not produce any carbon dioxide emissions during its operation, unlike fossil fuels which produce greenhouse gases when burned. In fact, solar energy is one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources available.

The carbon footprint of solar panels is relatively small compared to the carbon footprint of fossil fuels. The manufacturing process for solar panels does produce some carbon dioxide emissions, but these emissions are much lower than the emissions from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a 10 kW solar system can offset about 4 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This is roughly equivalent to planting over 100 trees per year.

So, solar panels do reduce carbon footprint and they do not produce more carbon dioxide than fossil fuels. In fact, solar energy is one of the best ways to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

Here are some additional information about the carbon footprint of solar panels:

• The carbon footprint of solar panels has been declining in recent years as the technology has improved.
• The carbon footprint of solar panels is still higher than the carbon footprint of wind turbines, but it is expected to continue to decline in the future.
• The carbon footprint of solar panels can be offset by using renewable energy to power the manufacturing process.
• Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, so the carbon savings from using solar energy can be significant over time.

Overall, solar panels are a very environmentally friendly way to generate electricity. They reduce carbon emissions, they have a small carbon footprint, and they have a long lifespan. If you are looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and make a difference for the environment, solar panels are a great option.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Solar power produces no emissions during generation itself, and life-cycle assessments clearly demonstrate that it has a smaller carbon footprint from "cradle-to-grave" than fossil fuels. There have been many studies on the carbon footprint of solar panels with varying results. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found the median value among peer-reviewed studies for life-cycle emissions for rooftop solar is 41 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt hour of electricity produced. Solar energy does not need to burn fossil fuels to produce energy. Therefore, it is less likely to release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Over 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are due to the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation. All electricity generation technologies emit greenhouse gases at some point in their life-cycle. Nuclear fission does not produce any CO2. Solar panels don't produce emissions while generating electricity, but they still have a carbon footprint. Mining and transport of materials used in solar panel production and the manufacturing process represent the most significant sources of emissions. Natural sources include decomposition, ocean release and respiration. Human sources come from activities like cement production, deforestation as well as the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. Installing solar panels on your home is a very effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. Although there is carbon emissions associated with manufacturing solar panels, these are quickly offset once they are installed and operational.Solar panels are responsible for 48- 50 grams of carbon emissions in their first few years of service, which is ten times less the carbon footprint of non-renewable power. In three years of use, the panels will have produced enough energy to offset the emissions from their production. Wind, nuclear, tidal, hydropower, geothermal, solar, and wave energy have the lowest carbon footprint. Per kWh produced, the energy sources emit between 11 and 48 gCO2 on a life-cycle basis. With the consumption of every unit of thermal power, we generate 0.7 kg of carbon dioxide. Therefore, every unit of solar energy helps prevent 0.7 kg of carbon dioxide emission. Installing a 1 kWp solar rooftop plant is thus equivalent to planting two trees in terms of carbon sequestration. To achieve this, solar panels use solar radiation from the sun to generate heat, which is then converted into electricity. This makes solar energy one of the most eco-friendly energy sources available, as it has virtually no effect on the environment and is capable of providing clean energy for homes and businesses.