green
Eco & Sustainability
Solar, carbon footprint, EV savings, energy consumption, and eco planning guides.
Our Eco & Sustainability category provides practical resources and calculation guides to help you evaluate green energy investments and estimate environmental impact. We walk you through calculations for solar panel payback periods, home carbon footprints, electric vehicle savings versus gasoline, appliance energy consumption, and home water conservation. Each guide details the formulas and conversion factors used, and links to the online calculator tool so you can estimate costs and savings for your sustainable lifestyle.
5 articles
Solar Payback: Estimating Payback Period & Solar ROI
An exhaustive financial guide to estimating the net costs, tax credits, break-even timelines, and solar panel return on investment (ROI).
Carbon Footprint: Measuring & Reducing Your Emissions
An exhaustive guide to measuring greenhouse gas emissions from utilities, travel, diet, and waste using standard emission factors.
EV vs. Gas: Calculating Electric Vehicle Operating Savings
A comprehensive financial comparison of gasoline fuel expenses and electric charging rates over different mileages and utility tariffs.
Appliance Energy Costs: How to Calculate Home Power Bills
A comprehensive energy audit guide to calculating electrical consumption for home appliances based on wattage, usage hours, and local utility rates.
Water Conservation: Calculating Low-Flow Fixture Savings
A comprehensive engineering guide to calculating indoor water volume conservation and utility bill financial savings from upgrading showerheads and toilets.
Eco & Sustainability calculators
Popular eco & sustainability calculators
Use these calculators alongside the guides above to run the numbers for your specific situation.
Solar Panel Payback Calculator
Estimate the ROI and payback timeline for solar panel installation.
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Estimate annual carbon emissions from energy, transport, and waste.
EV vs Gas Savings Calculator
Compare gas costs with electric charging rates over various mileages.
Appliance Energy Cost Calculator
Calculate power costs for home appliances based on wattage and utility rates.
Water Conservation Calculator
Calculate water volume and utility savings from fixture upgrades.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a carbon footprint?+
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) generated by our actions. The average carbon footprint for a person in the U.S. is about 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average is closer to 4 tons. Use our Carbon Footprint Calculator to estimate your impact.
How is solar payback period calculated?+
Solar payback period = (Total upfront cost of solar system - Upfront incentives & rebates) ÷ Annual utility savings. On average, home solar panels pay for themselves in 6 to 10 years, depending on your solar exposure and utility electricity rates. Our Solar Payback Calculator can estimate your specific ROI.
Are electric vehicles actually cheaper to run than gas cars?+
Yes, in most regions. Operating costs depend on your local gasoline price versus utility electricity rates. For example, if gas is $3.50/gallon and electricity is $0.15/kWh, driving an EV can save you $800 to $1,500 per year in fuel costs. Our EV vs Gas Savings Calculator compares these costs based on your annual mileage.