Solar Costs Drop as Innovations Increase

For decades the solar industry costs of hard goods have been dropping.  In fact during the last two decades solar panels dropped on average by 90 percent.  The manufacturing processes have been streamlined.  We are enjoying implementation of economy of scales and the advances that made the installation process more affordable than ever.  We can revel in our solar costs drop even as innovations increase.

According to Xiaojing Sun, global solar research leader at Wood Mackenzie Ltd. “…New technologies will create further cost-of-electricity reductions.”

Solar Panels are Improving

Currently, there is a drive for more effective solar panels and shingles, emphasizing the importance of more cost reductions to move further away from fossil fuels.  Additional savings could be the motivation to pair more clean energy sources with fairly expensive new storage technology.  The expensive storage technology is critical to carbonless power production to answer 24 hour demand.

What is causing more excitement than ever is that higher powered systems are here.  Solar panels used to produce a maximum of about 400 watts of electricity.  In 2020, companies began offering 500 watt panels and a new 700 watt model was introduced in June 2021.  As more powerful and super-efficient panels are rolled out, costs will be reduced throughout the solar power chain, boosting growth throughout the country.

Perovskite

Some of the changes are improvements to existing technology that results in significant improvement to the effectiveness of solar panels.  One such change involves the mineral Perovskite.  Perovskite can be layered on top of existing solar panels to boost efficiency, or integrated with glass to make building windows that can also generate power.  This could take solar power to new levels. 

Previously, costs and technical issued were obstacles to commercial production.  Today, some of those challenges have been hammered out and Wuxi UtmoLight Technology Co. has released intention that it plans to begin a pilot line as early as October 2021.  Mass production is expected to begin in 2023.

Bi-Facial Panels

In 2019, bi facial panels began to gain popularity.  Traditional polysilicon panels get their power from the side exposed to the sun, though reflective light can also be used.  The opaque backing material is being replaced with specialist glass.  Part of their popularity could be related to a temporary exemption from tariffs, but interest in dual sided solar technology is pushing the development into more solar power systems than ever.

Better Cells

Solar wafers were 156 square millimeter of polysilicon a decade ago.  Today, manufacturers are producing polysilicon wagers 182 and 210 square millimeters, claiming nearly 20% of the market share.  These larger wafers are wired into cells with new, higher capacity that those in the last decade.  Newly redesigned structures extend electron movement phase, increased the amount of power they generate.  All of this means panels are increasing in capacity and efficiency.

Renewable Solar Resources is continuously looking into better and better products to offer their clients, while using recognized brands with improved innovations.  When you look at solar conversion, Renewable Solar Resources offers free energy audits.  Once you know simple changes to make that saves electricity, your property is evaluated for optimal location of solar panels.  This may or may not be on sections of your roof.  The entire solar conversion process is mapped out for you, with permits and grid paperwork being handled by Renewable Solar Resources.  You can be on your way to cleaner, reliable energy prepaid at a locked in rate for the next two and a half decades.  Join the ranks of Solar power customers enjoying increased efficiency as solar costs drop.