Comments on: Solar Panel Technology Advancements Infographic

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:44:00 +0000

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.

By: Kriss Bergethon

Kriss Bergethon — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:25:00 +0000

You’re right Dcard, we are trying to give a general idea on averages. Sunpower’s stuff is indeed more expensive AND more efficient.

By: Kriss Bergethon

Kriss Bergethon — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:38:00 +0000

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!

By: Dcard88

Dcard88 — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:32:00 +0000

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

By: Anne

Anne — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:00:00 +0000

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.

By: ToddInNorway

ToddInNorway — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 06:18:00 +0000

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!