Should You Wait for the Latest, Greatest PV Modules?

Reader Contribution by Dan Chiras
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These bifacial PV modules from Sanyo can absorb solar energy reflecting off the light-colored roof to generate electricity from the backside, boosting module efficiency. Photo by Dan Chiras.

Every year we hear about a breakthrough in solar electricity — usually a new solar cell with a very high efficiency rating. Knowing that new PV technologies are on the horizon, many people ask us if they should wait a bit before they invest in a solar electric system. Does it make sense to delay your installation until the new, more efficient PV technologies hit the market?

This is a fair question, but the answer is no.

Newer, more efficient PVs are certainly on their way, however, one of the key considerations when installing a PV system is not the efficiency of the PV modules, but the cost of the modules based on the installed capacity. Those of us in the business refer to this as the cost per watt of installed capacity.

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