The public is being kept in the dark about the viability of solar photovoltaic energy, according to a new study.
Equipment costs are determined based on dollars per watt of electricity produced. One 2010 study estimated the this cost at $7.61, while a 2003 study set the amount at $4.16. According to Dr. Pearce, the real cost in 2011 is under $1 per watt for solar panels purchased in bulk on the global market, though he says system and installation costs vary widely.
Dr. Pearce has created a calculator program available for download online that can be used to determine the true costs of solar energy.
