How much does it cost to build a solar power plant?

The agency found that natural gas-fired utility construction costs were $820 per kilowatt in 2022, while solar power construction costs were $1,588 per kilowatt and wind power construction costs were $1,451 per kilowatt.

Are wind and solar construction costs higher than gas-fired construction costs?

As seen below, wind and solar construction costs have been much higher than gas-fired construction costs for the entire timeline shown: 2013 through 2022. The gas-fired power costs are a combination of combined cycle, internal combustion engine, and turbine technology.

Are national gas plants more expensive than wind and solar?

On average, construction costs for national gas plants have been lower than for wind or solar from 2013 through 2022. The increase in wind and solar construction costs in 2022 reverses the trend of declining costs for those sources.

How much do solar panels cost in 2022?

Solar Average U.S. solar construction costs across all solar panel types increased 1.7% to $1,588 per kilowatt (kW) in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by a 13% increase in the construction cost for crystalline silicon tracking panels, which increased to $1,605/kW, the highest price since 2018.

Why are solar panels so expensive?

The increase was primarily driven by a 13% increase in the construction cost for crystalline silicon tracking panels, which increased to $1,605/kW, the highest price since 2018. The average construction cost for crystalline silicon fixed-tilt panels decreased by 13%, but they remained the most expensive of the major solar technologies at $1,788/kW.

How much does solar cost per kilowatt (kW)?

Discussion of additional cost information and trends is available in our Short-Term Energy Outlook. Solar Average U.S. solar construction costs across all solar panel types increased 1.7% to $1,588 per kilowatt (kW) in 2022.