What is the lowest cost technology?
There is a tradeoff between conversion efficiency and cost per Watt when comparing the largest solar technologies: crystalline silicon and deposited thin film modules. Commercial mono- and poly-crystalline modules typically have conversion efficiencies between 1522%. These modules cost approximately $ 4.75 per Watt in both the United States and Europe. Commercial thin film modules typically have lower solar conversion rates in the range of 614%. However significantly lower thin film manufacturing and materials costs result in a lower purchase price on a per Watt basis. Recent quotes for thin film modules were approximately $1.00 per Watt less that crystalline modules.
