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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices
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To: i-node who wrote (604038)3/17/2011 12:15:39 PM
From: Alighieri  Read Replies (4) of 1575715
 
Let's put it in perspective

That's very old data...calculated at nearly $9/W, and at 20 years life (the life expectancy of these components is much higher than 20 years, which is why panels come with a 25 year warranty)...in the end the author of this rather conservative and old article predicts precisely what is happening.

Al
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Solar Energy Costs
Average system costs = $95 per square foot
Average solar panel output = 10.6 watts per square foot
Average solar energy system costs = $8.95 per watt

For our 5-KW solar energy system costing $45,000, the conversion to KWH is as follows:

5 KW times 90% = 4.5 KW – (Conversion of DC to AC power)
4.5 KW times 3.63 hours = 16 KWH per Day
16 KWH x 365 = 5,962 KWH – (Average Annual Output)
5,962 KWH x 20 years = 119,246 KWH – (Total output over 20 year lifespan)

So a $45,000 5KW solar energy system produces about 119,246 KWH of electric over its lifespan meaning the average cost equals $0.38 per KWH. ($45,000 divided by 119,246 KWH)

The relatively high solar energy costs in comparison to conventional fuels should improve with utility rebates and government tax incentives. In addition, solar panel prices should continue to decline as volume production increases. Solar cell manufacturers employ similar production methods as semiconductor suppliers and benefit from economies of scale.
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