An Interesting Development In Solar Power...

[BobDiaz]

Background:

Back in 1998, a fully installed solar system of around 3KW to 6KW was around $10.50 per watt (typical average). In 2002, the drop in prices AND the Federal, and in some states, State subsidies, resulted in double digit growth in the Photovoltaic industry. The growth was so rapid, it resulted in a silicon shortage that caused the price of pure silicon to go up. We've seen a regular drop in price per peak solar watt over the years and overzealous people in the 1980s and 1990s kept saying that solar for everyone is "just around the corner..." It is, but the corner didn't come as quickly as we had hopped.






New Developments:

There are a number of new things being tried as we get closer to having photovoltaic becoming practical for the masses and this looks exciting.

The first is that Installed costs (Panels, support equipment, AND installation) have dropped from the 1998 figure of $10.50 per watt to around $7.60 per watt. (Assuming a 3KW to 6 KW system.)

While a fully installed solar system can cost as much as a car, some other changes are making it more practical for the masses.


The first is something called the "micro inverter". In the past, a single large inverter was used to convert the DC from the photovoltaic energy into the AC power. This was a large capacity inverter that required additional cost to tie it into your power.

The micro inverter takes the DC power from the solar panel and converts it directly into the 120 or 240 VAC power. The advantage is that each panel has its own micro inverter and the output from each panel can be monitored.


The second idea is the small "plug in" solar system. The idea is that you purchase a 200 watt kit from Best Buy, Costco, or the Home Depot for around $800. You do the installation work yourself and tie your solar system into the grid by plugging it into the wall. (No electrician required.) A single plug could handle up to 5 of these kits, 1000 watts of solar ($4,000) and one can upgrade as needed.

Clarian Power: Sunfish Plug-In Solar Power


By removing the installation costs from the system, this brings the cost to around $4 per watt AND it makes it possible for the little guy to go solar. It is scheduled to come out late next year. It should be interesting to see how it will play out...


Bob Diaz

[GetSmrt28277]

now if we just make it work on the smart

[truthiness]

Nice writeup, Bob. It's encouraging to have more options.

[chumly]

This is something I have been looking for!

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by BobDiaz

Background:

Back in 1998, a fully installed solar system of around 3KW to 6KW was around $10.50 per watt (typical average). In 2002, the drop in prices AND the Federal, and in some states, State subsidies, resulted in double digit growth in the Photovoltaic industry. The growth was so rapid, it resulted in a silicon shortage that caused the price of pure silicon to go up. We've seen a regular drop in price per peak solar watt over the years and overzealous people in the 1980s and 1990s kept saying that solar for everyone is "just around the corner..." It is, but the corner didn't come as quickly as we had hopped.






New Developments:

There are a number of new things being tried as we get closer to having photovoltaic becoming practical for the masses and this looks exciting.

The first is that Installed costs (Panels, support equipment, AND installation) have dropped from the 1998 figure of $10.50 per watt to around $7.60 per watt. (Assuming a 3KW to 6 KW system.)

While a fully installed solar system can cost as much as a car, some other changes are making it more practical for the masses.


The first is something called the "micro inverter". In the past, a single large inverter was used to convert the DC from the photovoltaic energy into the AC power. This was a large capacity inverter that required additional cost to tie it into your power.

The micro inverter takes the DC power from the solar panel and converts it directly into the 120 or 240 VAC power. The advantage is that each panel has its own micro inverter and the output from each panel can be monitored.


The second idea is the small "plug in" solar system. The idea is that you purchase a 200 watt kit from Best Buy, Costco, or the Home Depot for around $800. You do the installation work yourself and tie your solar system into the grid by plugging it into the wall. (No electrician required.) A single plug could handle up to 5 of these kits, 1000 watts of solar ($4,000) and one can upgrade as needed.

Clarian Power: Sunfish Plug-In Solar Power


By removing the installation costs from the system, this brings the cost to around $4 per watt AND it makes it possible for the little guy to go solar. It is scheduled to come out late next year. It should be interesting to see how it will play out...


Bob Diaz

Funny you should post this Bob !

I have been building my own solar panels (about 120 watts each) out of broken solar cells. These are 2nds or 3rds that manufacturers off load for cheap. Most of these are cosmetic only and some have broken tabs (easily soldered). I have built 4 panels (about 480 watts) so far that tie into an inverter and just plugged into a wall socket !! Each panel has cost me about $35 (I'm good a picking up JUNK )

Haven't really noticed or been keeping track of my watt meter, but I will once I get a few more panels built ! (Gives an old man something to do in the evenings )

I have used this system http://www.power4home.com/index.php with great success

[BobDiaz]

I've always wanted to set up a solar electrical system, BUT in years past, the cost was well beyond any real savings. At around $4 per watt, it starts to pay off a lot sooner, so a small system might be practical.


Here's about how much average sunlight you get over the year. (1 KWH per meter squared is equal to 1 hour of full sunlight.) You can also click on the link for the PDF file for the details your area.

http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data...tlas/serve.cgi

See also: U.S. Solar Radiation Resource Maps
For other parameters...

I'll bet in the next few years we'll see lots more of these systems and the prices will drop.


Bob Diaz

[Dunerunner]

Thought about doing this just for the energy independence. Thanks for the new ammunition (the wife convincing kind)!!

Now, how much was that 10KW system.......?


$65,000 installed

[jetfuel]

...yep..it is getting cheaper to create your own solar array...but it has a lot to do with China that has taken the role of global producer, surpassing everybody...heck..Evergreen Solar just moved there from Mass...

jetfuel...no sun tan needed...

[pack smart]

Have any of you heard about the lease option rather than purchasing the unit? The only thing I have heard is that it doesn't allow the rollback electricity on the smart meter and the lease company keeps that. Is leasing a viable option?

[Dunerunner]

What is the difference if you pay the solar company and they keep your utility rebates or you pay the bank and keep your utility rebates. Either way, there is no electirc bill, or at least it is considerably lower.