It Keeps Getting Cheaper to Install Solar Panels in the US

[eridani]

Since 1998, installed system prices have been falling thanks to reductions in the costs of solar energy that do not include the panels themselves: inverters, mounting hardware, labor, permitting and fees, customer acquisition, overhead, taxes, and installer profit. Prices have been falling in the short-term because of the decline of the cost of solar panels, which fell by $2.6/W from 2008 through 2012. This represents an 80 percent price drop for PV systems generating less than 10 kW.

The steady drop in costs have helped to enable a steep increase in the pace of installation over the last several years. This graph shows the growth of total installed solar capacity since 1998 (along with the sample). Look at the jump from 2009 to 2012:

[Isoldeblue]

1. That's great!

I see a couple panels on my roof in the near future, because of the dropping costs. I can't wait til I sell some my power to the electric company. I live in Florida, so it's ideal for solar power.