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Solar supplies just a tiny fraction of
U.S. electricity (0.5 TWh). Solar panels continue to improve
significantly but they are still expensive. There is plenty of
energy available to power the U.S.; the limitation is the installation
of costly solar arrays. Solar direct costs: $180/MWh Solar indirect costs: $20/MWh Solar true price: $200/MWh (2050 prediction: -$125/MWh) |
| Metrics
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| Coal | ||
| Natural Gas |
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| Nuclear |
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| Wind |
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| Solar |
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| Policy! |
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| Direct
Costs |
Indirect
Costs |
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| Capital Construction Costs The production and installation of solar arrays is by far the most significant price component. Prices are currently about $3,000/kW, or $150/MWh in a sunny climate (1). (more expensive in a cloudy climate). Operating Costs Operating and maintenance costs, including replacement of inverters is roughly $30/MWh. (1) |
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(1) DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy "Solar Energy Technologies Program 2007-2011" (eere.energy.gov)