How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2025?

Understanding solar panel costs is a key step in deciding whether solar is the right investment for your home or business. Based on our 2025 survey of 1,000 solar customers, the national average price for a single solar panel professionally installed is $1,200. This means most full-size systems of between 20 and 30 panels cost between $24,000 and $36,000.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know, from the average cost of solar panels and installation to the factors that affect pricing and potential savings over time. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to compare quotes from the best solar companies, this guide will help you make an informed, confident decision about going solar.

Compare Top Solar Companies

Blue Raven Solar tops our list of the best solar companies thanks to its top-performing solar panels and competitive pricing. Learn more about our top picks for solar installation in the table below.

Company	Star Rating	BBB Rating	Warranties
Blue Raven SolarRead Our Review	4.7/5	A+	25-year panels, 10-year workmanship
Venture SolarRead Our Review	4.8/5	A+	25 years
Solar Energy WorldRead Our Review	4.4/5	A+	25–30 years
SunrunRead Our Review	4.9/5	A+	25-year panels, 10-year workmanship

What Is the Average Cost of Solar Panels?

On average, residential solar installations range from $24,000–$36,000 after applying federal tax credits. A 15,900 kWh system of 18–34 panels for a standard three-bedroom home costs an average of $24,222, according to our survey.

However, solar costs can vary widely depending on where you live. For instance, states like California and New York often have higher prices due to labor rates and stricter building codes, while states such as Texas and Florida tend to offer more affordable installation options. Understanding these regional differences can help you better estimate your potential investment.

Key Factors Influencing Solar Panel Installation Costs

The cost of going solar can vary widely from home to home because several key factors come into play. Understanding what affects solar panel installation costs will help you get the most accurate estimate for your property and potentially save you thousands in the process.

Type of Panel

The type of solar panel you choose significantly impacts both cost and performance. There are three main types used in residential systems:

• Monocrystalline: Monocrystalline solar panels are made from single-crystal silicon. They offer the highest efficiency rates, around 15%–22%, and the longest lifespan. Their higher cost reflects their superior performance and smaller footprint needed to generate the same amount of power. They’re great for homes with limited roof space.
• Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystals. These panels provide solid performance at a more accessible price point. Their efficiency ranges from 13%–17%, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking a balance between cost and output.
• Thin-film: Thin-film panels are lightweight and versatile but less efficient. They’re typically used in large-scale or specialty applications.

For example, a 6 kW monocrystalline system may cost around $1,000–$2,000 more than a polycrystalline system but could generate more power in a smaller footprint.

Home Size

Larger homes usually require more power, which means larger systems and higher costs. Roof space, shape, and orientation also matter.

Annual Energy Usage

Your current electricity consumption plays a big role in determining your system size. The more energy you use, the larger and more expensive your solar setup will need to be.

• Low usage (<8,000 kWh/year): May need a 5–6 kW system
• Average usage (8,000–12,000 kWh/year): Often requires a 7–10 kW system
• High usage (>12,000 kWh/year): May require a 10–12 kW+ system

Review your utility bills from the past 12 months to determine your average kWh usage.

Equipment Selection

While solar panels are the star of the show, the supporting equipment, like inverters, racking systems, and monitoring technology, plays a major role in your system’s performance, longevity, and overall cost. Choosing the right components can increase energy output, reduce maintenance needs, and improve your long-term savings.

Inverters convert solar energy into usable electricity. You’ll typically choose from these types:

• String inverters: These are the most affordable, but system-wide performance can drop if one panel is shaded.
• Microinverters: These are installed on each panel and are ideal for roofs with shade or complex layouts, but they’re more expensive.
• Power optimizers: Optimizers work with string inverters to improve individual panel performance and are mid-range in cost.

Other important components include the following:

• Mounting systems: Standard roof mounts are cost-effective, but custom or ground mounts add hundreds of dollars.
• Monitoring tech: Basic systems track overall performance, but advanced options offer real-time, panel-level data.
• Premium equipment: This comes with higher upfront costs but longer warranties (10–25 years), better efficiency, and durability.

Installation Requirements

Every roof is unique, and that can have a big impact on the overall cost of your solar panel installation. More complex roof types often require additional labor, specialized hardware, or structural adjustments, all of which can drive up costs. For example, tile or metal roofs may need extra mounting equipment to install the panels safely and securely.

The pitch and layout of your roof also play a role. Steep slopes or multi-level designs can make installations more time-consuming and labor-intensive. In some cases, especially with older homes, structural reinforcements or electrical upgrades may be necessary to ensure the roof can support the system safely.

Location and Local Incentives

Your location plays a big role in determining how much you’ll pay when going solar. In general, urban areas tend to have higher labor and permitting costs due to stricter building codes, higher wages, and more complex utility interconnection processes. In contrast, rural areas may offer lower installation costs, but they can sometimes lack access to experienced installers or streamlined permitting, which could delay the process.

In addition to cost differences, where you live also affects the availability and value of solar incentives. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts offer strong incentives but also come with higher overall installation costs. Meanwhile, Texas, Florida, and Arizona tend to have lower costs and growing solar markets, though incentives may vary.

Homeowners should also look into local programs such as state tax credits, utility rebates, net metering policies, and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), which can significantly boost savings. To learn what’s available in your area, check out the DSIRE database, a free, comprehensive resource for solar incentives by state.

Solar Batteries

A single solar battery typically costs, on average, $5,097, depending on capacity, type, and brand.* For whole-house backup systems with more than 25 kWh capacity, costs can exceed $25,000, not including installation.

The price varies significantly based on storage capacity and brand. Popular options like the Tesla Powerwall cost around $11,500 with installation, while premium systems like the Enphase IQ Battery can cost upward of $11,000 before installation costs.

While batteries add substantially to your initial investment, they can provide valuable backup power during outages and help maximize your solar system’s efficiency by storing excess energy for use during peak rate periods or nighttime hours.

*Based on our 2025 survey of 1,000 home solar customers, which included 279 solar battery customers. 

Additional Cost Considerations

In addition to the major cost drivers of a solar installation, several smaller expenses can still affect your overall budget. These may not be deal-breakers, but it’s important to account for them early in the planning process.

• Advanced monitoring systems: Upgrading from basic monitoring to advanced, panel-level monitoring will add to your upfront costs, but it allows you to track performance, detect issues early, and optimize energy production.
• HOA requirements: If you live in a community with a homeowners association, you may need to meet specific aesthetic or placement guidelines. This could require custom panel layouts or additional screening, which would add to your project costs.
• Home insurance adjustments: Adding solar panels may slightly increase your insurance premium, depending on your provider and system size. However, most policies cover solar panels as part of the home’s structure.
• Permit and inspection fees: Local governments charge permitting and inspection fees that vary widely by location. These can range from $100 in smaller towns to over $1,000 in larger cities with more complex regulations.
• Tree removal or trimming: Shading can significantly reduce solar efficiency. If trees block sunlight from reaching your roof, professional removal or trimming services can add to your total costs, depending on the size and number of trees.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost by State?

Solar panel costs can vary dramatically by state due to several key factors: local labor and permitting costs, state-specific incentives and regulations, and varying levels of market competition among installers. These differences lead to price swings, with northeastern states like Massachusetts and New York typically seeing higher installation costs and southern states like Texas and Florida seeing lower rates.

Financing Options for Solar Panels

Solar panels are a long-term investment, and the good news is you don’t have to pay for everything upfront. There are several flexible financing options available to help homeowners make the switch to solar without breaking the bank. Choosing the right solar financing method can significantly impact your overall savings and return on investment.

• Cash purchase: Paying upfront in full gives you complete ownership of the system and the highest long-term savings. You’ll qualify for all tax credits and incentives, and you won’t pay interest or monthly fees. However, it requires a significant upfront investment.
• Solar loans: A solar loan lets you spread the cost over time while still owning the system and benefiting from tax incentives. Monthly payments are usually fixed, and many loans require little to no money down. Keep in mind that interest charges may reduce your overall savings.
• Solar leases: With a solar lease, you rent the solar system for a set monthly fee, usually with little or no upfront cost. The installer owns and maintains the system, and you benefit from lower utility bills. However, you won’t own the system or qualify for tax credits, and long-term savings are typically lower.
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs): PPAs allow you to pay only for the electricity the system generates, often at a rate cheaper than your local utility. Like leases, there’s little to no upfront cost and no maintenance responsibility, but you don’t own the system, and contracts can last 20 years or more.

Return on Investment and Payback Period

One of the most common questions homeowners have is: When will my solar panels pay for themselves? While the exact timeline varies based on factors like system cost, energy usage, local utility rates, and available incentives, most homeowners see a payback period of 6–10 years. Over a 25-year system lifespan, that can translate to total savings of $15,000–$40,000 or more, especially in areas with high electricity costs and strong local incentives.

Several factors can accelerate your solar payback period, including high local utility rates, south-facing roofs with minimal shading, and low- or no-interest financing options. For example, a California homeowner who installs a $20,000 solar system and takes advantage of the 30% federal tax credit would reduce their net cost to $14,000. With average annual savings of around $1,800 on electricity, that system would pay for itself in less than eight years and continue generating free power for many more.

How Can I Save Money on Solar Panels?

Going solar is a smart financial move, but it’s even smarter when you know how to maximize your savings. From federal tax credits to local rebates and smart shopping strategies, there are several ways homeowners can cut costs and get the best return on their solar investment.

Solar Incentives and Rebates

One of the most effective ways to reduce your upfront cost is by taking advantage of solar incentives at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Federal solar tax credit (ITC): This is the most valuable incentive available. It allows you to deduct 30% of your total solar installation cost from your federal income taxes. For example, if your system costs $18,000, you could claim a $5,400 credit, bringing your net cost down to $12,600.
• State and local incentives: Many states and municipalities offer additional rebates, property tax exemptions, or solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). For example, New York offers up to $5,000 in state tax credits, and some cities in California provide additional cash-back rebates.
• Net metering: This billing arrangement allows you to earn credits for excess electricity your system sends back to the grid. Those credits can offset your electricity use at night or during cloudy days, lowering your monthly utility bill.

Additional Ways To Save

Beyond incentives, there are smart strategies that can help you save even more on your solar panel installation.

• Bundle with other upgrades: Some homeowners save money by combining solar with other home improvements like a new roof or energy-efficient upgrades, which may qualify for additional rebates.
• Choose the right system size: Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized system can lead to unnecessary costs. A professional installer can help you match system size to your actual energy needs.
• Compare multiple quotes: Always get at least three estimates from reputable installers. Prices can vary by thousands of dollars for the same system size, depending on the company and equipment used.
• Use solar loans wisely: If you’re financing, look for solar-specific loans with low interest rates and no prepayment penalties. The lower the interest, the more you save over time.
• Time your purchase: Solar installation costs tend to fluctuate throughout the year. Off-season months (like winter in many regions) can sometimes come with discounts or promotional offers.

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

For most homeowners, solar panels are worth it. Thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, state and local incentives, and rising electricity rates (currently averaging 15.95 cents per kWh nationwide), solar systems can save you around  $42,376 over 25 years.*

If you live in a high-cost electricity state like California, where rates can top 30 cents per kWh, the financial benefits grow even stronger, especially if your household uses more than 900 kWh per month or enjoys consistent sun exposure.

But solar offers more than just savings. It provides real, lasting value in several key ways:

• Energy independence: By producing your own electricity, you’re less affected by utility rate hikes and peak pricing. This is especially useful during energy shortages or high-demand seasons.
• Environmental benefits: A typical residential solar system reduces carbon emissions by 3–4 tons per year, which is like planting 100 trees annually. That’s a meaningful contribution to cleaner air and a healthier planet.
• Increased home value: Studies show homes with solar panels typically sell for 4% to 6% more, adding around $15,000 in value for the average U.S. home. Unlike other upgrades, solar tends to retain its value well over time.
• Reliable performance: Most panels come with 25-year warranties and still produce 85% or more of their original power output after two decades, giving you consistent returns year after year.

That said, solar isn’t right for everyone. It may not be the best fit if your roof is heavily shaded or needs replacement soon or if you plan to move within five years. Also, homes in areas with very low electricity rates or with minimal energy usage may see slower payback periods.

Still, for the vast majority of homeowners, the financial and environmental payoff makes solar well worth the cost and a solid investment in your home’s future.

*Cost data is based on reports from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and uses the consumption of 10,632 kWh per year to calculate the savings.

Survey Insights from Solar Customers

In 2025, we surveyed 1,000 home solar customers across the U.S. to understand their experience shopping for and installing solar panel systems. Most homeowners said they paid around $16,129 for a solar panel system, with an average of 14 solar panels installed.

While Sunrun was the most popular provider in our survey, many respondents reported choosing a local or regional installer rather than a large, national company. Additionally, 53% of respondents claimed they wanted solar panels to reduce power bills, and most reported an average decrease of $14 per panel, translating to $196 saved on monthly utility costs.

What Are the Hidden Costs and Downsides of Going Solar?

While solar panels offer great long-term savings and environmental benefits, it’s important to understand the less visible costs and considerations that can affect your overall investment. These aren’t deal-breakers for most homeowners, but knowing about them upfront helps you plan more effectively and avoid surprises down the road.

Here are some common hidden costs and potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Insurance adjustments: Adding solar may increase your homeowners insurance premiums slightly, depending on your provider. Some insurers might also require you to add a rider to cover the solar equipment fully.
• Maintenance needs: Solar panels are low-maintenance, but occasional professional cleaning and inspections, usually once or twice a year, can help maintain peak efficiency. Skipping this care may lead to gradual performance loss over time.
• Permits and HOA requirements: Beyond standard permit fees, HOAs or local code requirements may call for additional costs, like custom mounting, visual screening, or system changes to meet aesthetic or structural guidelines.
• Roof repairs: If you need to repair or replace your roof after the panels are installed, the panels must be removed and reinstalled, adding anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000+ to your roofing project. That’s why many installers recommend addressing any roofing issues before going solar.

Expert Insights

“If your home is located in an area with low solar access or if your home is shadowed by trees or buildings for much of the day, you probably won’t make back the investment on the electricity you generate. If you already consume low amounts of electricity (or if you consume a high amount), switching to solar might offer smaller savings, and so require a longer payback period.” —Mark McShane.

McShane is a solar industry professional and entrepreneur. He owns Skills Training Group, a company focused on producing high-quality solar technicians. He also runs Solar Panel Quote Online, a site that provides impartial advice and information to homeowners and businesses considering installing solar.

We consulted additional experts for insight into the benefits of solar energy, the affordability of solar panels, and advancements in solar technology. See their insights below.

Terrence L. Chambers, Ph.D.

Donald and Janice Mosing BORSF Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering

Director of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EESE) Center

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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What are the main benefits of using solar energy?

Solar energy is clean, quiet, and safe to use. If paired with battery storage it can provide backup power in an emergency. Many homeowners are interested in helping offset the pollution that comes with traditional power generation, so participating in solar energy generation, either with a rooftop solar installation, a subscription to a community solar program, or a solar program available from the utility company, allows these residents to help build a cleaner and greener world.

Do you think solar panels are getting more affordable?

The cost of solar panels has dropped by about 90% over the last decade, such that at the utility scale, in many locations in the U.S., solar energy is the least costly alternative for new electrical power generation. It now costs less to build a new solar power plant than to continue to operate a coal plant. For that reason, solar energy accounted for over half of all new power generation in the U.S. last year, outpacing even natural gas. The cost for a commercial or residential installation is higher simply due to economies of scale, but it may still be cost-effective under certain circumstances. A homeowner would do well to consult a solar energy professional regarding their specific situation.

What are your thoughts about the advancements in solar technology?

Recent advances in solar technology are leading to ever-higher efficiencies and lower costs. At some point in the future, we will reach a saturation limit where new solar, which is an intermittent, cannot be added to the grid without upgrading the transmission system or pairing it with energy storage. Further research is needed to help the US power grid adapt to absorbing a larger and larger share of renewable energy sources. I am confident that we can solve the technical issues and that we will continue to see a move toward cleaner electrical power generation over the next several decades.

Terrence L. Chambers, Ph.D., is the Donald and Janice Mosing BORSF Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering and the director of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EESE) Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is the author of more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and has been awarded more than $57M in externally funded research grants. Chambers serves as a member of the Governor’s Climate Initiative Task Force. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Louisiana.

Mark Z. Jacobson, Ph.D.

Director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Stanford University

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What are the main benefits of using solar energy?

Installing solar photovoltaics (PV) on your roof reduces the electricity you need to import from the grid, particularly during times of high electricity prices, in the afternoons. This becomes even more beneficial when you convert your natural gas air and/or water heater to electric heat pump air and/or water heaters (which use one-fourth the energy as gas), your gas stove to an electric induction cooktop, and your gasoline car to an electric car. Solar PV also eliminates air pollution from fossil-fuel or bioenergy electricity generation. Also, installing solar PV on your roof, particularly in new homes, may avoid the need for expensive roofing material. Rooftop PV also cools your home during hot summer days by absorbing 20% of the sunlight and converting it to electricity.

Do you think solar panels are getting more affordable?

Solar PV panels have dropped in cost substantially during the past 10 years. At the utility scale, solar PV is half the cost of new natural gas or coal. On commercial buildings, it is also less expensive than the cost of fossil fuels. On individual residential buildings, PV cost has declined as well, but its savings are enormous because PV avoids the need to import high-cost electricity in the afternoon to your home and the cost of transmission and distribution. Solar PV on your roof also allows you to keep your lights on during a blackout on the grid if you also purchase a battery to store PV electricity. The best overall strategy for a homeowner in terms of saving lots of money over the long run, eliminating air pollution in your home, and supplying your own electricity and heat in a blackout is to electrify everything in your home and provide the electricity with solar PV and store the electricity in a battery. There is no need for two forms of energy in your home. That just increases the money you spend.

What are your thoughts about the advancements in solar technology?

Solar PV technologies continue to improve, resulting in the continued decline in PV prices. This holds true also for all electric appliances in an all-electric home: electric heat pumps for air and water heating and air conditioning, electric induction cooktops, electric heat pump clothes dryers, LED lights, and electric vehicles, for example.

Mark Z. Jacobson, Ph.D., is director of the atmosphere/energy program and professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University. He is also a senior fellow of the Woods Institute for the Environment and of the Precourt Institute for Energy. His career focuses on better understanding air pollution and global warming problems and developing large-scale clean, renewable energy solutions to them. He has published six books, including his latest, “No Miracles Needed,” and more than 185 peer-reviewed journal articles. He is ranked as the No. 1 most impactful scientist in the world in the field of meteorology and atmospheric sciences and No. 6 in the field of energy among those first publishing past 1985.

Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor and Goizueta Junior Faculty Chair in the School of Materials Science and Engineering

Georgia Institute of Technology

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What are the main benefits of using solar energy?

There are four main benefits: First, solar energy lowers energy bills in the long run by producing electricity from solar light. The initial cost of installation is recovered after a few years, depending on how much sunlight the panels receive. Second, the panels help keep your house cooler in summer as they absorb most of the light that turns into heat and convert it into electricity. Third, solar panels provide your house with an off-the-grid solution in case of power outages. This means that your panels do not rely on long-range transmission lines and can provide electricity even during natural disaster events. Finally, producing electricity from solar panels lowers your carbon footprint and helps alleviate our impact on the climate and environment by producing clean energy without toxic fumes and without emitting carbon dioxide.

Do you think solar panels are getting more affordable?

Yes, they are. Solar panels are becoming increasingly more affordable as economics of scale push prices down. Large manufacturing facilities are continuing to increase the supply of the panels and this lowers costs. In addition, federal investments in this area, through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other incentives, are bringing manufacturing facilities to the U.S., which helps increase the supply and lower costs.

What are your thoughts about the advancements in solar technology?

We need to increase solar panel efficiency so that we can produce more power over smaller areas. This is an area of research my group is spearheading. We are trying to develop panels that have two or more devices on top of each other to increase the amount of power per area of a cell. We are developing new materials and devices to achieve this. These advancements will also have an impact on cost, as we will be able to extract more energy for a smaller footprint and that saves money on space, whether they are deployed on a roof or in a field.

Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and the Goizueta Junior Faculty Chair in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. At Georgia Tech, his research group focuses on the development of next-generation solar panel materials to complement or augment existing silicon-based solar panels. His research program at Georgia Tech has attracted funding from NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and industry partners. His work has been cited more than 35,000 times, making him a top-cited researcher in the world as recognized by the Web of Science Group Highly Cited Researchers (since 2019) and Nature Index Leading early career researcher in materials science (2019).

Dave James, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Director of Solar and Renewable Energy Programs

University of Nevada Las Vegas

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What are the main benefits of using solar energy?

Solar panels on a private home can generate electricity in the summer months during times of peak demand and associated high rates and reduce the homeowner’s electricity costs. Additionally, solar panels can usually offset some portion of non-renewable generated electricity and thereby reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Do you think solar panels are getting more affordable?

In some states and utility service areas, because of continued increases in efficiency and life span of flat-plate solar photovoltaic panels, lifecycle costs are now competitive with costs for other forms of electricity. However, homeowners should check with their local utility and with a reputable solar designer/contractor to find out if any connection charges or net-metering charges would be applied to their rooftop installations that might reduce the cost advantages.

What are your thoughts about the advancements in solar technology?

Photovoltaic panel efficiencies have continued to steadily improve over the last two decades, and their life spans are now up to twenty years. When combined with improvements in battery storage technologies and inverter efficiencies, solar photovoltaic power is now a practical, cost-effective, low-environmental impact option for both homeowner-scale, commercial-scale and utility-scale installations that can offset greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction. If your house rooftop is oriented correctly and not shaded by trees or other buildings, or if you have sufficient space for a ground-mounted installation, solar technologies for electricity generation are a practical, reliable, and cost-effective option for generating power and reducing environmental impacts.

David E. James, Ph.D., is the associate professor and director of solar and renewable energy programs at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). He is also licensed as a civil engineer in Nevada. Dave coordinates plans of study for students of UNLV’s solar and renewable energy minor and graduate certificate programs and has published research in solar distillation.

Cordula Schmid, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

University of Massachusetts Lowell

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What are the main benefits of using solar energy?

Solar energy is a sustainable and renewable source of energy, which helps to reduce reliance on finite fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. Many users find their electricity bills are lower than before and remain lower over longer periods of time, as solar panels can generate electricity for 25 years or more. Solar energy systems are low maintenance and can be installed in various locations, providing energy independence and resilience during power outages. Additionally, solar energy can create local jobs and stimulate economic growth in communities.

Do you think solar panels are getting more affordable?

Solar panels have become significantly more affordable over the past decade. The cost of solar panels has decreased by about 70% since 2010, primarily due to advances in technology, increased production efficiency, and economies of scale.

What are your thoughts about the advancements in solar technology?

Advancements in solar technology have been remarkable and continue to drive the adoption of solar energy worldwide. Improved efficiency and durability of solar panels mean more electricity can be generated from the same area of panels. Innovations in energy storage, such as batteries, capable of storing excess energy for use when the sun isn’t shining, are making solar power more reliable. Additionally, developments in flexible and transparent solar panels are expanding the range of applications, from integration into building materials to use in portable electronics. These advancements are crucial in making solar energy a widespread source of renewable energy.

Dr. Cordula Schmid has been an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell since September 2020, where she is the director of the Photovoltaic Prototyping and Testing Lab and the associate director of the Center of Energy Innovation. Her research focuses on the development of reliability testing for specialty solar PV applications. Prior to joining UML, she was a member of the PV Technologies team at the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy CSE since 2010 and managed that team since 2016. She focused on the reliability and electrical characterization of solar PV modules. From 2004–2010, Cordula served as a member of the scientific staff at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM in Freiburg, Germany, where she worked with domestic and international solar industry clients onsite to develop methods to increase production yield during solar cell processing and module fabrication. She obtained her Doctor of Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany in the area of breakage losses in silicon solar cells.