June 1, 2018
How solar trackers boost PV energy production
Over time, solar panels have become increasingly efficient. The very first commercial silicon cells, produced in 1954, maxed out at only 2 percent of sunlight converted, and sold for $25 apiece. Their low efficiency and high price resulted in a staggering $1,785 cost per watt at the time; adjusted for inflation, the total comes to $17,000. Today, per-watt costs in utility-scale solar installations can be under $1, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.