Overview

• Data-driven analysis shows a 15% expansion in solar capacity could eliminate 8.54 million metric tons of CO₂ annually, roughly 12.4% of the country’s yearly reduction target.
• The study finds stark regional differences, with California, Florida, Texas, the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest and the Southwest achieving the greatest emission cuts and Central U.S., New England and Tennessee seeing minimal change.
• In California, the model predicts a midday solar surge reduces CO₂ by 147.18 metric tons in the first hour and by 16.08 metric tons eight hours later.
• Cross-region impacts extend benefits beyond state lines, driving daily reductions of 913 metric tons of CO₂ in the Northwest and 1,942 metric tons in the Southwest from California’s solar boost.
• Researchers call for module and installation cost cuts alongside federal investment tax credits to realize the study’s targeted investment roadmap.