First Solar out of Tempe, Arizona, announced breakthrough news in that it is now able to manufacture thin film solar cells for less than 1 dollar per watt. 98 cents, per watt, to be exact, and this milestone has been the goal of solar companies since the beginning of solar cell production.*
First Solar was initially selling solar cells for $3.00 per watt back in 2004, their initial year of business. That price was competitive worldwide, and as demand grew and production speeded up, costs slowly began to fall. As reported here and elsewhere, the solar industry, as a whole, has grown with unprecedented growth over that time, and is slated to keep growing strongly.
The other aspect of thin film solar cells is the lower cost of installation.** There are no racks or trusses or support rails for these newest solar panels. They are merely laid out on a, preferable, flat metal roof, and literally glued on! No punching holes for mounts, no screwing or bolting required, nothing obtrusive to look at, just lay them out, glue them down, and it’s done. Chances are, no one will even notice them from the ground because they are so flat. So any business or consumer looking for panels that don’t protrude, this is the choice for you.
**http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2008/05/30/thin-film-solar-installation/
In sunny weather they are not quite as efficient as standard silicone photovoltaics, but they perform better on cloudy or compromised days, essentially giving nearly equal amounts of electricity over the long run.
These panels are available now, and with the 30% solar tax credit, along with any statewide incentives, it just might be the right time to put thin film solar panels on your roof.
*http://investor.firstsolar.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=201491&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1259614&highlight=
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It would be very interesting if this drop in solar panel price pass to the consumers and when.
Trust me, that fact of less than a dollar per watt plus the federal 30 tax credit and any state incentives, are making this a solar buyers market.
It may take months before that particular technological development trickles down to the consumer, but the tax credits and state incentives are already in place, which means it is cheaper to go solar right now than at any time in history!
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It is great news that the prices are falling and I am also happy to hear that they are making them tin as the old solar panels not only were difficult to install but also they were bulky and made your home look ugly.
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