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I'm surprised at the 40¢ figure for utility scale. Are you sure that didn't include the mounting hardware? Utility-scale PV is typically with 1-axis trackers.
by pfdietz 11mo ago
I'm surprised at the 40¢ figure for utility scale. Are you sure that didn't include the mounting hardware? Utility-scale PV is typically with 1-axis trackers.
Another possibility would be that utility scale solar optimizes to a much large disparity between DC rating and AC rating than does domestic rooftop PV.
- kragen 11mo agoI was surprised at it too, but remember that the US basically doesn't allow Chinese solar panels to be imported.
- pfdietz 11mo agoWait, so those were not US residential cost figures you quoted? Because I don't see how they'd allow Chinese imports for only residential installation.
- kragen 11mo agoThose were also US, yes. I don't know why they were so much cheaper. Possibilities include: - Maybe the SEIA is wrong. - Maybe utility-scale projects sign contracts to buy PV modules further in advance. The prices were falling rapidly. - Maybe residential installers were buying low-cost panels with lower efficiency or with no warranty.