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Post by hilbert on May 11, 2009 12:55:19 GMT
Saw an article today (WSJ) that costs are likely to be about $2/Watt vs. $3.95/Watt a year ago. This seems significant.
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Post by hilbert on May 12, 2009 13:25:47 GMT
Does anyone know what it now costs per kW?
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Post by Maui on May 17, 2009 16:04:39 GMT
No, nobody knows how much it costs per kilowatt. It varies.
For example, even isolated systems (off the grid) are required by building codes to have a disconnect switch, that costs like $1,000.
My initial system used one panel and old (couldn't afford new) golf cart batteries from Wailea Golf Course. Our windmill-generator blade had broken in a storm due to corrosion of the tower. The house was wired for 12-volt with lamp wire.
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Post by hilbert on May 22, 2009 1:32:23 GMT
So, I've heard estimates of $10k/ kW, but that is a few years old.
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Post by sunnydave on Jun 29, 2009 23:48:47 GMT
I have been following solar cell technology for some years now. Not an expert, but reasonably knowledgeable.
While a high efficiency is great, CIGS or thin cell technology is probably going to have the largest market share. Nanosolar in California has thin film cells at 10-14% efficient but are claiming the cost will soon be about 30 cents a watt. HelioVolt in Texas even advertised that they will have cells at 10 cents a watt.
At the same time, we have white LED light bulbs becoming more cost effective. Sure a 100 Watt equivalent white LED can cost 60 bucks, but it will last 20 years or supposedly 50-100k hours.
Throw in some marine cells for heavier draw devices, and I am very optimistic for peoples homes.
My hope (and we are just about there) is that when panels gets that inexpensive, people everywhere will be covering their roofs in panels, creating a huge market for handyman/installers.
Sunny Dave
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Post by hilbert on Jul 12, 2009 2:12:32 GMT
10 cents / W -- that's 10*1000 cents = $100 / kW --is that really true?
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Post by sunnydave on Jul 15, 2009 1:28:29 GMT
You have added an extra zero.
There are going to be 3 costs really. The cells, the batteries, and labor. If Nanosolar gets down to 30 cents a watt, that'll be 3 thousand dollars for 10 Kilowatts. Throw in a thousand for labor and a thousand for the batteries. $5,000 to be totally self reliant for energy. Payoff cost...maybe 3 years for 20 years or more of power.
Nanosolars warranty for their cells is 25 years!!!
Some cynical people I have talked to in Texas say "What about hail storms?" I say great!!! After 5 years your home owners insurance replaces your cells with cheaper and more efficient cells!
And most power co's will pay you for your surplus power, shortening your payoff date.
Sunny Dave
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Post by hilbert on Nov 30, 2009 2:37:37 GMT
So the State of New Mexico (USA) offers a 10% tax credit, in addition to the federal 30% tax credit for solar photovoltaic. Additionally, the local power company will pay about 11 cents / Kwhr on all power generated.
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Post by hilbert on Dec 2, 2009 1:01:14 GMT
The marginal cost per kw-hr is about 9 or 10 cents (US).
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