Why are PV cells so expensive and how can the cost be reduced?
Material and manufacturing costs are the two major factors that influence the price of photovoltaic cells. Even though silicon is the second most abundant material on earth, the silicon used for PV cells must be very pure; refining high-grade silicon to remove most of its impurities is an expensive process. In addition, the manufacture of PV cells at present is labor and capital intensive, although methods of automation have been undertaken. How quickly Photovoltaics become cost-effective depends on whether research resolves these material and production problems. More efficient cells also will help to lower the costs somewhat. The limit of efficiency for silicon PV cells is estimated to be about 30 percent. As they currently are manufactured, most PV cells operate at about 12 percent efficiency. When the cells and systems can be made to operate at higher efficiency levels, the cost of a system may be lower because fewer cells will be needed to generate the desired amount of electricit
