Emerging technologies and strategies that could reduce Balance of System (BOS) costs in solar installations include:
- Software and IT Platforms:
- Optimization Tools: Developing software tools that streamline the design, permitting, and installation processes can significantly reduce BOS costs. For instance, the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to optimize siting for solar developments was a focus of past initiatives.
- Hardware Innovations:
- Innovative Mounting Systems: Projects like those under BOS-X have focused on creating cheaper and more efficient mounting systems, such as ballasted flat roof solar photovoltaic racking systems, to reduce hardware costs.
- Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Technologies that integrate solar cells into building materials, like solar shingles, can reduce installation costs by combining roofing and solar installation steps.
- Market and Policy Innovations:
- Streamlined Regulations: Reducing regulatory barriers by creating standardized permitting and interconnection processes can lower non-hardware BOS costs.
- Economies of Scale: Large-scale deployment and market growth can lead to cost reductions through increased economies of scale.
- Installation Timing and Integration:
- Synchronized with Construction or Roof Replacement: Installing solar systems during new construction or roof replacement can significantly reduce costs by integrating installation processes and minimizing additional labor.
These emerging technologies and strategies are critical to further reducing BOS costs and making solar energy more competitive with traditional energy sources.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-emerging-technologies-that-could-reduce-bos-costs/
