Photovoltaic Systems

Currently PV systems cost between $6,000-$10,000/kW installed. The cost of a PV system depends on the system's size, equipment options and installation labor costs. Prices vary depending on other factors as well, such as the PV provider, whether or not your home is new, if the PV is integrated into the roofing materials or mounted on top of the existing roof, and the PV manufacturer. Small systems funded through California's Buy-Down Program have been averaging $7.00 / watt, after rebates.

The average factory price of PV modules is about $4/watt, excluding balance-of-system (BOS) costs. BOS costs increase the factory costs by 30-100%. Major BOS cost items include:

• Control equipment (e.g. maximum power point trackers, inverters, battery charge controllers, etc.)
• PV array support structures
• PV array to field wiring
• PV panel to array wiring
• Disconnects
• Panel protection diodes
• Batter storage if present
• Installation and fees
• Insurance
• Data acquisition system and sensors