Application of Low-Carbon Technologies for Cutting Household GHG Emissions

This article attempts to evaluate the potential of greenhouse gas emission reduction from power and transportation needs in a household by introducing a solar photovoltaic array and an electric vehicle. The study is based on analysis of data collected from a case study household and a photovoltaic unit located in Latvia. Results show that a small-sized photovoltaic system can ensure around 40% of daily electricity demand of a four-person household on an average summer day. In addition, introducing additional electric vehicle load is helpful for cutting greenhouse gas emissions related to household mobility. In the best case scenario, CO2 balance can be improved by 60−90%.