Solar Panel Technology Advancements Infographic

June 10th, 2012 by Zachary Shahan

This is a fun short infographic our friends at Solar Sphere recently shared with us. Check it out (to enlarge, hold down ‘ctrl’ or ‘command’ and click the ‘+’ key):

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Tags: Infographics, quickies, solar panel advancements, solar panel improvements, solar technology advancements, solar technology evolution

About the Author

Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media. You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.

Anne

There is an error in this image. A 41″ x 25″ panel is 1.04 m x .635 m and has an area of .66 m2. At 23% efficiency, it will have an STC rating of .66 * .235 1000 = 155 W.
- http://www.facebook.com/bergethon Kriss Bergethon
  
  Hi Anne, you are sharp! We were trying to show relative size and scale and maybe should have been a little more in our calculations. The point is that the panels are getting incredibly small, efficient, and affordable. Thanks for checking us!
ToddInNorway

Semprius is very close to commercial production of their proprietary concentrating PV panel which will likely achieve > 25% conversion efficiency. It has a prototype that achieved >33% conversion efficiency. The engineering giant Siemens has bought a major share in Semprius, which would indicate some credibility to the technology. There is a good chance their $/watt production cost will be even lower than $0.70/watt in your figure. So the innovation engine in PV is working perhaps even better than we have hoped for!
- Dcard88
  
  This inforgraphic is (must be) based on average efficiency in the marketplace since Sun Power is already producing 20% panels. Also the average price since Sunpower is also more expensive at well over $2/watt
  - http://www.facebook.com/bergethon Kriss Bergethon
    
    You’re right Dcard, we are trying to give a general idea on averages. Sunpower’s stuff is indeed more expensive AND more efficient.
  - Bob_Wallace
    
    Paying more per watt might make sense if it cuts installation/real estate costs more than the price difference.
    
    Right now residential roof installation rates are greater than $5/watt in the US. If you could pay a buck more per watt for panel but then save a buck-fifty on mounting costs it would make sense.