Compared to the price of solar panels

How much do solar panels cost?

Global solar panel pricing varies wildly. Manufacturing locations dramatically affect final costs. China produces the world’s cheapest solar panels at $0.13-$0.18/watt. Vietnam and Malaysia follow at $0.18-$0.22/watt. US/EU panels cost $0.30-$0.50/watt. Key Insight: Cheapest doesn’t mean lowest quality.

How have solar panels cost and efficiency changed over time?

Let’s take a look at how solar panel cost and efficiency have changed over time. Solar panels are about 60% cheaper and 40% more efficient than they were in 2010. Solar panels in 2010 cost about $8.70 per watt and were about 15% efficient. Today, solar panels cost about $3.00 per watt on average and are between 19% and 22% efficient.

What is the relative cost of solar energy?

Another measure of the relative cost of solar energy is its price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Whereas the price per watt considers the solar system’s size, the price per kWh shows the price of the solar system per unit of energy it produces over a given period of time. Net cost of the system / lifetime output = cost per kilowatt hour

Are solar panels a good investment?

Solar panels provide energy with zero emissions, helping cut planet-overheating pollution. Plus, the sun is free to use, meaning homeowners can bet on long-term, predictable energy costs. As Lazard's report notes, "renewable energy remains the most cost-competitive form of generation" and is also the quickest to deploy.