How do we estimate solar PV production costs?

For a sample of solar PV manufacturers, we estimate production costs based on nancial accounting statements. We use these cost estimates as data inputs in a dynamic model of competition to obtain equilibrium prices, termed Economically Sustainable Prices (ESP).

How much does a PV module cost?

The November 2021 technical report considers a PV module cost of $0.34 per watt, which is equivalent to: As the size of a solar array increases, photovoltaic modules represent a higher percentage of total costs, while the percentage of soft costs decreases.

Where did photovoltaic cost data come from?

Photovoltaic cost data between 1975 and 2003 has been taken from Nemet (2009), between 2004 and 2009 from Farmer & Lafond (2016), and since 2010 from IRENA. Prices from Nemet (2009) and Farmer & Lafond (2016) have been converted to 2024 US$ using the US GDP deflator, to account for the effects of inflation.

How do market analysts evaluate the cost of PV systems?

Market analysts routinely monitor and report the average cost of PV systems and components, but more detail is needed to understand the impact of recent and future technology developments on cost. Consequently, benchmark systems in the utility-scale, commercial, and residential PV market sectors are evaluated each year.

Why do solar PV manufacturers reduce upstream polysilicon production?

rst that reductions in upstream polysilicon production can be at least partially attributed to increased demand by solar PV manufacturers and second that, during a supply crunch during the years 2007 { 2009, solar PV manufacturers faced large incentives to improve their production processes.