The total energy inputs for solar PV infrastructure (412 GJ ha1 - year1 and gross GHG emissions of 39.6 Mg CO2e ha1 year1) are several times higher than the aloe vera baseline yield (28.14 GJ ha1 year1 and 2.01 Mg CO2e ha1 year1) and high yield (52.59 GJ ha1 year1 and 4.06 Mg CO2e ha1 year1) scenarios of aloe vera cultivation (Figs. 2 and 3, Table 1). However, solar PV has an average energy output of 2590 GJ ha1 year1 and gross GHG offset of 736 Mg CO2e ha1 year1. The energy ratio (energy output to input) was around 6:1 for solar PV installation (Table 1). The energy ratios are consistent with existing life cycle studies of large solar installations in desert regions. The water requirements for cleaning solar PV installation were higher than the water requirements for baseline and high yield scenarios of aloe vera.