Do solar photovoltaic energy benefits outweigh the costs?

This article appears in the Spring 2020 issue of Energy Futures, the magazine of the MIT Energy Initiative. Benefits of solar photovoltaic energy generation outweigh the costs, according to new research from the MIT Energy Initiative.

Why is solar photovoltaic technology so expensive?

Since the early 2000s, the total cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has consistently sunk below expert expectations, mostly due to hardware improvements.

Do hardware and non-hardware features reduce the cost of solar photovoltaics?

The cost of solar photovoltaics has declined over the past two decades, but the driving mechanisms are not fully understood. Now, researchers examine the role of hardware and non-hardware features in cost reduction of photovoltaics and develop a model that could be used to understand cost reductions for other energy technologies.

Is a domestic manufacturing base in solar PV a good investment?

A domestic manufacturing base in solar PV may provide other benefits besides direct employment worthy of future study. Our model does not incorporate any spillover benefits to adjacent industries, such as semiconductors and electronics.

What is a solar racking mounting bracket?

Mounting brackets are heavy-duty equipment, usually made from stainless steel or aluminum. All solar racking and mounting products, whether for the rooftop or ground, must meet strict guidelines to ensure durability and structural integrity to withstand high winds and weather events.

Do rooftop solar panels need racking?

Mounts and racking are an essential component in a rooftop solar system. As the industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, the technology used to mount solar panels to residential rooftops has experienced incredible innovation and rapid growth.