Adding solar power to developments adds points for owners aiming for green certifications.
As the cost of solar continues to plummet, the technology could make a compelling case for building owners from a purely economic perspective. In fact, solar power on a utility scale is now cheaper than coal in some parts of the world. In less than a decade, it is predicted to be the lowest-cost option almost everywhere.
According to an article in Bloomberg News, better technology including the use of diamond-wire saws that more efficiently cut wafers, to better cells that provide more power from the same amount of sun, have improved the financial outlook. In addition, economies of scale and manufacturing experience since the solar boom started over 10 years ago have given the industry an increasing edge in the competition with fossil fuels.
PV prices are expected to continue to fall for the foreseeable future, according to industry observers. In recent months, vendors of mounting systems have also made progress in cutting costs of their products.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2018
‘Amazon tax’ could slow Seattle’s construction boom
City imposes employer head count tax to fund affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2018
AAMA releases 2017/2018 fenestration market studies
Offers forecasts of industry trends.
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2018
Registration open for 2018 National Energy Codes Conference
U.S. Department of Energy event to be held July 15th-17th in Austin.
Codes and Standards | May 21, 2018
New standard tests quietness of floors
ASTM International method will help manufacturers test their flooring materials.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2018
California will require solar panels on most new homes
Projected to add $10,000 to cost of new homes.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2018
New resources offer tips on off-site construction
NIBS documents address using pre-cast concrete, and commercial and legal considerations of modular construction.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2018
Blast testing of loaded mass timber structures yields positive results
Four tests covered a spectrum of blast loads.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2018
Maryland makes general contractors liable for failure of subs to pay employees
GCs could have to pay for up to three times the wages owed.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2018
Data collection, machine learning boost building efficiency
Sensors, software algorithms squeeze out waste.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2018
OSHA and state safety agencies write more than 100 silica citations in 6 months
Actions tending to come with investigation of other site conditions.