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Solar market research

June 27, 2011 | Manhal Aboudi

Solar PV Balance of System (BOS): Technologies and Markets

As prices for PV modules and inverters decline, attention from developers and EPCs will increasingly be placed on a project's balance-of-system (BOS) costs. Historically, innovation in the BOS space has been somewhat limited, given its smaller share of the total system. However, BOS costs will represent more than half of total project costs by 2012, and many BOS players are beginning to integrate their offerings into full-service component packages and positioning for greater share in the market via meaningful economic gains.

GTM Research forecasts BOS costs to decline roughly 29 cents/watt (US$) from 2010 to 2013, and this report presents detailed BOS cost roadmaps by technology (c-Si, thin film) and mounting type for structures, foundations, labor, civil works, cables, engineering and inverters.

Source: GTM Research

In addition, this report features installation forecasts and market sizing for fixed and mounting structures by country and explores the current trends pursued by the key players in the BOS market, providing notes on more than 50 companies active in the BOS space. 

Figure: BOS Cost Comparison, c-Si vs. CdTe

Source: GTM Research

Download the report's brochure for a complete Table of Contents and List of Figures as well as more in-depth information on the report's analysis.

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Report Author

Manhal Aboudi is a solar PV consultant, focusing on the industry's major cost, technology, and market dynamics. Manhal is also a Managing Director at the Intellec Group, where he is responsible for utility-scale PV project development. Prior to his tenure with the Intellec Group, Manhal worked with Advent Solar, Intel, Novellus Systems, and Emerson Electric in senior management and engineering roles. Manhal holds an MBA from Arizona State University and an MSEE from Santa Clara University.

 

 

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value added elements

  • Detailed balance-of-system cost roadmaps by technology (c-Si and thin film) and price forecasts through 2015.
  • Market sizing for fixed ground-mounted structures, tracking structures, roof-mounted structures, foundations, combiner boxes, cables and conduits.
  • Demand by country and region (Germany, Italy, Rest of Europe, United States, Japan, China and Rest of World) by mounting structure type (ground-mounted fixed, tracking and rooftop-mounted).
  • Analysis of PV project labor and civil engineering costs.
  • More than 50 company notes on BOS players leading the market.

strategic inquiries

  • Which BOS markets will see the greatest opportunities for component cost reduction?
  • What business models are BOS players pursuing to gain greater market share globally?
  • How is regional demand influencing the type of mounting structures deployed through 2015?
  • What are the hidden costs of BOS, including EPC margins, land, labor, security, grounds and medium voltage?

in the news

  • Report: Innovation, Standardization and Acquisition will Reduce BOS... Renewable Energy World ›

  • Anatomy of a Solar PV System: How to Continue “Ferocious Cost... Climate Progress ›

  • GTM Research report predicts BOS system costs will exceed those of PV... PV Tech ›

  • GTM Research report: Balance of system costs will become the majority... SolarServer ›

contact: Justin Freedman

Phone: 617.500.6243