Solar power how much does it cost per watt to install today and?

Question

is there anything in the pipeline in the near future that will be less expensive

Answer 1

There are a lot of variables in the cost elements for a solar system.  You would be better off asking a solar contractor in your area, describing the size you want, and the surface on which the panels will be mounted.  

One thing sure, cost per unit will be least when you size the inverter to the output of the panels.  The hardware cost per watt included the panel cost, mounting equipment and the inverter.  If you buy an inverter that is only to half its capacity, the inverter cost per watt is doubled.

BTW if you are to be on the grid, and the utility has net metering or time of use metering, you do not want batteries.  Your excess power will be "stored" with the utility.

Answer 2

Solar panels by themselves are about US$4.50 per watt.  You might get a 'deal' at slightly over $4.00 per watt if you buy a large quantity.  So, if you want a 3 kW system, that's between $12,000 and $13,000 just gor panels.

Installation costs go up from there.  A proper inverter could run $1000, and batteries are about $50 - $100 each for deep-cycle types (you will want at least 10 of those).

Labor for installing everything from a licensed electrician could also run in the $1000 range and up.

There is good news, though -- there are still major tax credits from the US government and probably from your state gov., as well.  Your electric utility company might also have incentives to offer.  These can all add up to 30% of the panel costs, which is definitely worth it.

For the future... 'they' have been talking amorphous silicon for a decade now, and not much has been done about that.  Triple layer and quad-layer panels are super efficient, but they also cost more.  The latest out of Colorado State University (IIRC) is a process to mass produce copper-oxide based solar cells at a target price (eventually) of $1.00 per watt.  I think this might be the best 'hope' for cheaper panels in the next 5 years.

.