cost review of solar PV panels for last decade

[rollandelliott]

"At somewhere around $4.50, the grid starts to become more expensive than PV."

Actually it has to get closer to $1/watt installed for most people to even consider it. At $2/watt it is a 5 to 7 year break even point and since people move about that often on average people will not invest in something that has such a long payback period.

[TnAndy]

For an off grid system--You are probably looking at $10-$20 per watt installed using new components. Self installs you can do it for much less.

-Bill

Recently did a 6 panel (245w ea) off grid system using an Outback prewired power center ( 3500w inverter + 60amp CC + DC/AC breakers/etc ) and battery bank of 8 L-16s (780amp/hr) for a buddy of mine.

Total cost was right at 10k, self installed.

10k / 1470w = $6.80/w

He can double the system size for another 3k in panels, another FX60 charge controller, couple breakers for combiner box, couple sets of extension leads, and some mounting clips for his standing seam roof....I figure little under 4k. That would put his costs down to about $4.80/w for a 2940w system.

That ain't bad for an off grid system.

Couple Pics:

[BB.]

One possible suggesting Andy--It appears that you may want to move the + or - main cable to the opposite battery string to better balance charging/discharging current across parallel battery strings (at least from my guess from your photo).

www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

-Bill

[niel]

i'm wondering why you didn't opt for a 48v battery bank.