Fig. 5: Net carbon emissions reduction potential of solar photovoltaic (PV) power from 2017 to 2060.

These figures reflect the net carbon emissions reduction potential of global PV application during 2017–2060. The ribbons in different blue and grey colour intensity scales indicate net carbon emissions reduction potential in different countries/economies. ROW is the abbreviation for the rest of the world. When counting net emission reductions, carbon emissions embodied in solar cells and modules and those embodied in the balance of system (BOS) and storage system are spread evenly over a 30-year lifetime and are then subtracted from the gross carbon reduction potential of PV power replacement. a Reflects the net carbon emissions reduction potential when solar PV power is applied to replace non-PV electricity (SSG). The carbon emissions reduction potential in some countries/economies first increases and then decreases. It is reasonable that renewable energy will gradually occupy a larger share in the local grid power mix, and incremental solar PV power substitution will result in smaller carbon abatement. b Reflects net carbon emissions reduction potential when solar PV power is applied to replace fossil fuel electricity (SST).