Energy Fact – The cost of solar cells has dropped 400-times

For many years, the largest criticism of solar power was its high cost–it was more expensive than traditional electricity generation mechanisms. But there is something unique about solar: it is a technology, not a fuel. Like your iPhone or flat screen TV, the cost of solar has declined steadily over the years.

While the cost of grid-based electricity has remained relatively constant, rapid technological improvements have allowed the cost of solar to fall from $76.67/watt to $0.18/watt since 1977, a decrease of 400x.