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
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 10, 2016
Top 10 health technology hazards include some influenced by space design
ECRI Institute’s annual list includes operational and workflow issues.
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2016
Supreme Court ruling could aid developers on properties containing wetlands
Unanimous decision allows landowners to take regulatory decisions straight to court.
Green | Jun 8, 2016
TD Bank Group's renovated Toronto office is first WELL-Certified project under WELL v1
The newly renovated 25,000-sf space achieved gold-level status.
Concrete | Jun 7, 2016
Concrete Institute publishes document providing concrete curing guidance
New curing monitoring techniques included.
Energy | Jun 7, 2016
Energy modeling payback typically as short as one to two months
Energy modeling is a ‘no-brainer—like checking MPG on a car’
Green | Jun 2, 2016
USGBC offers new LEED pilot credit: Building Material Human Hazard and Exposure Assessment
For assessing human health-related exposure scenarios for construction products.
Resiliency | Jun 1, 2016
Federal agencies boost standards for more resilient construction
HUD, FEMA, GSA, Army Corps of Engineers make policy changes.
Green | May 31, 2016
Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee
Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2016
Better enforcement needed for successful implementation of energy efficiency policies
Commercial buildings the focus of recent code initiatives.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2016
LEED Dynamic is worth the effort, says commercial real estate executive
San Diego office tower is California’s first office building to receive LEED Dynamic plaque in recertification.