India’s transition towards low carbon energy systems has accelerated the deployment of decentralized renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, to address climate change, energy security, and rural development challenges(Bharvirkar et al. (2019), n.d.). As of 2024-25, India had achieved more than 220 GW of renewable energy capacity, with solar energy contributing over 105 GW, highlighting its growing importance in the national energy transition. However, assessing the environmental benefits of decentralized solar systems requires consideration of their complete life cycle rather than operational emission reductions alone. This study evaluates the life cycle carbon mitigation potential of decentralized solar energy systems in rural Uttar Pradesh (UP) using an empirical framework integrating life cycle assessment (LCA), household level energy analysis, and socio-economic evaluation. UP, with a population exceeding 240 million and a predominantly rural population, provides an important context for examining how distributed solar systems can reduce carbon emissions while strengthening rural energy resilience.

The study estimates embodied carbon emissions from solar PV manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, maintenance, and end of life management and compares these with greenhouse gas emissions avoided through displaced grid electricity consumption. Primary data from rural solar adopters are combined with secondary data from government agencies, energy statistics, and published literature to estimate electricity generation, carbon savings, energy payback period, and life cycle emission intensity. The study also examines socio-economic outcomes, including reduced electricity expenditure, improved power reliability, enhanced agricultural productivity, livelihood opportunities, and community acceptance. Policy mechanisms, including the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (D Patel et al., 2025), rooftop solar incentives, net metering regulations, and state level renewable energy initiatives, are analysed to identify factors influencing adoption. The study contributes empirical evidence from rural UP and supports evidence based strategies for expanding decentralized solar systems, strengthening sustainable rural development, and advancing India’s long term climate objectives......