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Cost of photovoltaic energy systems as determined by balance-of-system costsThe effect of the balance-of-system (BOS), i.e., the total system less the modules, on photo-voltaic energy system costs is discussed for multikilowatt, flat-plate systems. Present BOS costs are in the range of 10 to 16 dollars per peak watt (1978 dollars). BOS costs represent approximately 50% of total system cost. The possibility of future BOS cost reduction is examined. It is concluded that, given the nature of BOS costs and the lack of comprehensive national effort focussed on cost reduction, it is unlikely that BOS costs will decline greatly in the next several years. This prognosis is contrasted with the expectations of the Department of Energy National Photovoltaic Program goals and pending legislation in the Congress which require a BOS cost reduction of an order of magnitude or more by the mid-1980s.
Document ID
19780019596
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Rosenblum, L.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1978
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Report/Patent Number
E-9708
NASA-TM-78957
Accession Number
78N27539
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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