What does PV cost?
Although this depends greatly on the application there are some general guidelines to give you an idea of the cost. Grid-tied systems containing 100 watts or more of PV will generally cost between $6.00 and $10.00 per watt of installed PV. Smaller systems will be more expensive on a per-watt basis. Off-grid systems generally cost $15.00 to $20.00 per square foot of living space. The PV modules will be between 1/3 and 1/2 of the total system cost. Each watt of PV of your array will generally produce between 2 and 6 watt-hours of energy per day depending on the season and location. Using typical borrowing costs and equipment life, the life cycle cost of PV generated energy generally ranges from $0.08 to $0.20/Kwh. Occasionally low power applications, such as an outdoor light, may be cost effective only a few feet from the power line. The current incentives being offered greatly reduce the cost of a system; oftentimes by 60%!
