What is PV system cost model (pvscm)?

The total cost over the service life of the system is amortized to give a levelized cost per year. In the PV System Cost Model (PVSCM), the owner’s overnight capital expense (cash cost) for an installed PV system is divided into eight categories, which are the same for the utility-scale, commercial, and residential PV market segments:

How do market analysts evaluate the cost of PV systems?

Market analysts routinely monitor and report the average cost of PV systems and components, but more detail is needed to understand the impact of recent and future technology developments on cost. Consequently, benchmark systems in the utility-scale, commercial, and residential PV market sectors are evaluated each year.

How are PV production costs modeled?

The costs of materials, equipment, facilities, energy, and labor associated with each step in the production process are individually modeled. Input data for this analysis method are collected through primary interviews with PV manufacturers and material and equipment suppliers.

Why do solar modules cost so much?

In the past solar module cost used to be the dominant factor in PV capital investment but aggressive competitions among manufacturers have helped lowering the module pricing significantly in recent years. For the OPEX, the costs of preventive maintenance and the inverter warranty extension play the biggest role.

How do investors assess the investment-worthiness of a PV project?

When assessing the investment-worthiness of a PV project, different financial stakeholders such as investors, lenders and insurers will evaluate the impact and probability of investment risks differently depending on their investment goals. Similarly, risk mitigation measures implemented are subject to the investment perspective.

What are the technical risks associated with PV projects?

Our works have highlighted that technical risks exist across all PV project phases, from as early as the project is conceived to when the system is in its operational year. If not managed properly, these could affect the CAPEX, OPEX or yield of the PV system and thus impact the PV levelized cost of electricity.