Price trend of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels

The last decade has shown a sharp, though now steadying, decline in costs, driven largely by photovoltaic (PV) module efficiencies (now 19.5%, up from 19.2% in 2019) and hardware and inverter costs.

IRENA presents solar photovoltaic module prices for a number of different technologies. Here we use the average yearly price for technologies 'Thin film a-Si/u-Si or Global Price Index (from Q4 2013)'.

Solar photovoltaic costs have fallen by 90% in the last decade, onshore wind by 70%, and batteries by more than 90%. One of the most transformative changes in technology over the last few decades has been the massive drop in the cost of clean energy.

Solar module prices may approach the threshold of $0.10/W by the end of 2024 or eventually in 2025, according to Tim Buckley, director of Australia-based think tank Climate Energy Finance (CEF).

Price trend for solar modules by month from October 2023 to October 2024 per category (the prices shown reflect the average offer prices for duty paid goods on the European spot market): Overview by technology of different price points in October 2024, including the changes over the previous month:

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6 FAQs about [Price trend of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels]

Are solar panels more efficient?

Within those averages, you'll find solar panels with a range of efficiency ratings. It might not surprise you that you'll usually pay more for solar panels with greater efficiency. SunPower, one of the better-known solar panel brands, offers the most efficient and most expensive solar panels for homes at 22.8% efficiency.

How much does a solar panel installation cost?

The average cost of a 10.8 kW solar panel installation on EnergySage is $20,948 after federal tax credits. You'll probably save anywhere from $28,000-$120,000 over 25 years by going solar. Solar panels are just 12% of the total cost of a solar panel installation.

Are solar panels a good investment?

It's most helpful to think about solar panels as an investment. It takes an average of 7.5 years to earn back the money you spend on installing solar panels. After that point, the electricity from your solar panels is free. Most homeowners will save $28,000 to $120,000 over 25 years with solar.

What happened to Photovoltaic prices in October 2024?

Overview by technology of different price points in October 2024, including the changes over the previous month: Only tax-free prices for photovoltaic modules are shown. The prices stated reflect the average offer prices in retail and on the European spot market (customs cleared).

Why did the PV cost benchmark rise in 2023?

The inflation-adjusted cost benchmark rose in 2023 for utility-scale PV systems but fell for residential PV systems owing to recent trends in network upgrade costs, Inflation Reduction Act manufacturing tax incentives, and other cost drivers.

How does technology affect the cost of solar power?

This states that the cost of technology falls consistently as the cumulative production of that technology increases. The chart shows the perfect example of this for solar power. This data comes from the International Renewable Agency, Greg Nemet, and Doyne Farmer & François Lafond.

Price trend of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels