There are 3 things driving the expected drop in PV prices over the next couple of years. First, manufacturers are ramping up production of polycrystalline silicon as fast as they can. Second, because of the current supply constraint companies have found and developed a variety of ways of reducing the amount and quality of silicon required in PV cells. Finally, China has gotten into the game and can lower cost because of a cheaper (for now) labor force. This is, of course, brilliant news. Full Article
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ May 23 2007, 10:42 AM) [snapback]448200[/snapback]</div> Which is more likely to occur? This 40% cost(thus price) reduction in PVs, or the the "Volt" coming to fruition(by 2010)?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ May 23 2007, 11:42 AM) [snapback]448200[/snapback]</div> Interesting article. It didn't even mention Nanosolar's offset-printing technology that doesn't use silicon. Which is an independent reason to expect cheaper solar cells soon. Nanosolar claimed costs at 1/10th of prevailing levels ($0.25 per peak watt vs $2.50 currently), and claimed some astounding output from the factory they are building in Califonia (as in, it will expand total worldwide solar cell output by one-quarter). If they ever manage to get their plant up and running, that could hasten this along.
