How much the cost of solar has dropped in the last 40 years
Let’s Explore How We Got Here:
In 1839 Edmond Becquerel, a young French physicist, discovered that when exposing a material to light it could generate electric current. He discovered this while experimenting in his father’s lab. The next hundred years were spent by various scientist studying this effect.
During the 1970s saw a change in the social political landscape that made solar a more accepted solution for energy, that coupled with the ability to better harness solar energy paved the way for future advancements. At this time President Jimmy Carter installed the first solar panels on the White House for a whopping $76 per watt.
By the late 80s and early 90s solar prices plateaued to less than $10 per watt. That is about a 70% drop in less than 20 years.
(Source: Zayed Future)
Currently solar technology is really hitting its prime, and the reduction in price currently down to a potential $0.61 per watt. Combine that with all the current incentives and rebates for installation, and the future becomes a no brainer.
(Source: Zayed Future, Trinity Solar)