Innovation Shifts Solar Costs

It's incredible what the human mind has been able to develop. The refrigerator, the space shuttle, and the switchblade comb are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of innovation. Typically when we innovated and made the process of manufacturing and output streamline, we can also expect a drop in price. This concept is happening currently in the solar market.

Managing the massive potential of energy won't happen soon without a global scale type of acceptance and initiation of residential and commercial rooftop installation. For decades, that goal has been impeded by the steep cost of installation, putting the price of solar beyond what many financially inhibited income households. But, these limitations are all changing.

Solar Answers

Part of seeking innovation comes with finding alternative sources for our systems. When exploring the goal of innovative design to bring down the cost and raise efficiency for solar panel manufacturing and installation, we must utilize all means and methods possible; this is where our experts of industry step in. The renowned non-profit international clean energy applied R&D center, Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems CSE, explains these goals are far from intangible.

A design partnership at CSE has made headlines with the newly tested and deployed the Plug and Play Photovoltaic (PV) System pilot project. This project uses lightweight PV modules, solar-ready connectors, and specialized software to make the solar installation a fast, smooth, and actual reality. The team was very successful with their design. In fact, the system was so easy to use, a group of three people, those with no prior installation experience were able to install and fire-up a three-kilowatt Plug and Play system in under 75 minutes. This rapid ease and speed by which the average person could operate translate in to saving potentials.

For example, the Plug and Play PV system project brings the cost down to approximately $1.50 per watt at full installation. This cost analysis demonstrates a price less than half of the current U.S. average for PV systems. This system was created with integrated system architecture, this system allows for remote permitting, inspection, and same-day approval. This system creation will undoubtedly equate to overall cost-reductions in the future.

More Innovations Come Into Play

The Plug and Play Photovoltaic project is next level. This project is innovation brought to life. So far, this project has the support of the United States Department of Energy by way of the SunShot Initiative. The Plug and Play PV project is one of many hopeful technologies, and current indications imply the market is growing more responsive.

However, not only is the market becoming responsive, but other known innovators are starting to catch the solar innovation wave. Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a newly designed and integrated solar roof and a battery storage product. This game-changing design could also help to bring the future prices of solar down for the average consumer; notable during peak energy usage times. This late-2016 design was created to cut the price of rooftop installation immensely. The Solar Energy Industries Association maintains to support the lower-cost benefits of "building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)," which are intended to assist as the external layer of a building. They will also be generating electricity for on-site use or export to the greater known grid.

HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area