Updated Encyclopedia Page on Photovoltaic Systems

Since the price of solar electric panels is dropping sharply, it was time to update the GBA Encyclopedia

Posted on Sep 27 2012 by GBA Team

PV prices keep dropping. In many areas of the U.S., the installed cost of a grid-connected PV system has dropped to $3.50 per watt.

Only a few years ago, the installed cost of a grid-connected photovoltaic(PV) Generation of electricity directly from sunlight. A photovoltaic cell has no moving parts; electrons are energized by sunlight and result in current flow. (PVPhotovoltaics. Generation of electricity directly from sunlight. A photovoltaic (PV) cell has no moving parts; electrons are energized by sunlight and result in current flow.) system was about $7 per watt. Now that inexpensive PV modules are widely available, the price has been cut in half (to about $3.50 per watt) in many areas of the U.S.

As architect Jesse Thompson pointed out in his GBAGreenBuildingAdvisor.com guest blog, PV Systems Have Gotten Dirt Cheap, falling PV prices are a game-changer.

New material and more information

These new economic realities forced us to take a fresh look at the Photovoltaic Systems page in the GBA Encyclopedia. The page has been updated with new material and revised information on PV costs.

The Photovoltaic Systems page is one of many articles in the GBA Encyclopedia that is available only to GBA Pro members. To enjoy all of the benefits of GBA Pro membership, subscribe to GBA Pro today or try our 14-day free trial.

GBA Pro members are invited to take a look at the new encyclopedia page, and post comments and suggestions for improvements.