Comment by pfdietz
4 months 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.
I was surprised at it too, but remember that the US basically doesn't allow Chinese solar panels to be imported.
Wait, 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.
Those 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.