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Prices have dropped significantly, but quality varies widely across suppliers and system types. A complete 5kW solar system in China costs ¥15,000-¥30,000 ($2,100-$4,200), with Tier-1 panels from Longi or Jinko at ¥0.9-¥1.3 ($0.13-$0.18) per watt. Installation adds 10-20% to the total price.
Photovoltaic cost data between 1975 and 2003 has been taken from Nemet (2009), between 2004 and 2009 from Farmer & Lafond (2016), and since 2010 from IRENA. Prices from Nemet (2009) and Farmer & Lafond (2016) have been converted to 2024 US$ using the US GDP deflator, to account for the effects of inflation.
Most residential installations use monocrystalline photovoltaics (PV) panels, which offer up to 24% efficiency and perform better in limited space and extreme temperatures. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but less efficient (15% to 20%), making them better for homes with ample roof space.