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The use of solar power is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam and around the world, but there are still questions about whether solar panels are truly “green.” One of the most common concerns is: how much CO₂ is emitted during the production of solar panels, and can this amount be offset throughout their lifetime?

1. CO₂ emissions during production

Solar panels—especially crystalline silicon PV, the most widely used type today—go through multiple stages of manufacturing: quartz sand mining, silicon refining, wafer cutting, module assembly, and encapsulation. These processes consume significant amounts of energy, mostly from the power grid, which in many countries still relies heavily on fossil fuels.

According to scientific studies (NREL, IEA), producing 1 kWp of solar panels emits around 300–600 kg of CO₂. This means that a 3 kWp system—a common size for households in Vietnam—causes about 0.9–1.8 tons of CO₂ emissions during manufacturing.

2. Carbon payback time

Although the initial emissions are not negligible, solar power systems do not directly emit CO₂ during operation and significantly reduce electricity consumption from the grid, which has high emission intensity. Depending on location and efficiency, PV systems typically offset their production-related CO₂ within just 1–2 years of use.

Specifically:

• 1 kWp of solar power in Vietnam generates about 1,300–1,500 kWh per year.
  
  
• On average, each kWh of grid electricity emits 0.5–0.7 kg of CO₂.
  
  
• Therefore, 1 kWp helps avoid 650–1,000 kg of CO₂ annually, roughly equal to the emissions released during its manufacturing.
  

With a lifespan of over 30 years, each kWp of solar panels can help reduce 20–30 tons of CO₂, which is 25–30 times greater than the initial emissions.

3. Conclusion

While solar panels do generate CO₂ during production, they remain a far greener and more sustainable technology compared to conventional power sources. After about 1–2 years, the system achieves carbon payback and continues to contribute to greenhouse gas reduction for the rest of its lifespan. Investing in solar energy not only saves electricity costs but also represents a practical action for the environment and the sustainable future of our planet.