L R AS Published on Sunday 23 September 2018 - n° 248 - Categories:the American PV
In-depth study on PV in the United States
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has just published its eleventh study on the evolution of costs over time (Tracking the Sun): a general decrease in prices was noted in 2017, but it is still very low.
lower than in previous years. The decline was minimal in the first half of 2018.
Residential systems increase in size with panel yields averaging 17.4%. Power electronics (micro inverters) dominate residential and increase its market share in commercial systems.
The $8 per W decline in residential project prices between 2000 and 2017 is driven 46% by panel prices, 12% by inverter prices and 42% by miscellaneous equipment and non-material costs. This price decline was not observed in all facilities as there were subsidies and grants that reduced costs and mitigated the decline in real costs to owners.
There are wide variations in prices across markets. This is due to the panels, differences between states and the preferences of the installers, not forgetting that it depends on whether the installation is owned by a third party or by the owner. Prices are much higher if high-end, high-efficiency panels are used.
There is a price difference between an installation on new construction and one undergoing renovation. The price of a new construction in California falls to $2.30/W. PV Magazine estimates that the cost is currently close to $1.15 / W, and will soon reach $1 / W.
What is surprising in Lawrence Berkeley's international comparisons is that installations in the US are significantly more expensive for residential or small commercial than in other countries.
PV Magazine of 20 September
