Is solar PV a competitive source of new power generation capacity?

Solar PV is emerging as one of the most competitive sources of new power generation capacity after a decade of dramatic cost declines. A decline of 74% in total installed costs was observed between 2010 and 2018 (Figure 10).

How does a developer's cost of financing affect a solar PV project?

A developer’s cost of financing has become a critical distinguishing factor for success as the solar PV market becomes increasingly competitive. Total capital costs also include the cost of land and support infrastructure, such as roads and drainage, as well as the project company’s start-up costs.

Are solar photovoltaic power plants the future of power generation?

Although it currently represents a small percentage of global power generation, installations of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants are growing rapidly for both utility-scale and distributed power generation applications.

How has the solar PV industry evolved in recent years?

The evolution of the solar PV industry so far has been remarkable, with several milestones achieved in recent years in terms of installations (including off-grid), cost reductions and technological advancements, as well as establishment of key solar energy associations (Figure 5).

How much does a solar energy project cost?

The construction period of the project is six months, with exploration and design costs of $203.358 thousand and construction and installation costs of $4931.438 thousand. The project's operating life is set to 30 years, in accordance with “General code for energy efficiency and renewable energy application in buildings”.

What is the role of solar photovoltaic power generation in China?

Among alternative sources, solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is expected to play an important role in this process in China given abundant solar resources and huge PV manufacturing capacity ( 7 – 10 ).