What is NREL's PV cost benchmarking work?

NREL analyzes the total costs associated with installing photovoltaic (PV) systems for residential rooftop, commercial rooftop, and utility-scale ground-mount systems. This work has grown to include cost models for solar-plus-storage systems. NREL's PV cost benchmarking work uses a bottom-up approach.

Are monocrystalline solar panels expensive?

Currently, monocrystalline panels are the most cost effective. While they are the most expensive, they are also the most efficient (which helps you save the most money). What are the three types of solar panels?

Are thin-film solar panels better than monocrystalline solar panels?

Over the years, solar manufacturers have experimented with ways to improve the efficiency and life span of solar panels, creating newer types that perform better. Most home solar systems use monocrystalline solar panels, but for portable applications like RVs, you may choose thin-film panels.

What is NREL's solar-plus-storage cost benchmarking work?

This work has grown to include cost models for solar-plus-storage systems. NREL's PV cost benchmarking work uses a bottom-up approach. First, analysts create a set of steps required for system installation.

Which solar panels are best for RVs?

Most home solar systems use monocrystalline solar panels, but for portable applications like RVs, you may choose thin-film panels. Thin-film panels tend to cost the most in smaller sizes and the least in wide-scale industrial uses. They also perform less efficiently, but their advantage is in their lightweight design.

Are polycrystalline solar panels better than monocrystalline panels?

Polycrystalline panels were once popular but have been phased out for more efficient panels. Monocrystalline panels use a single silicone crystal, whereas polycrystalline panels use multiple crystals, which saves you money up front but doesn’t perform as well. Refer to the following table to see current solar panel costs by type: