The biggest challenge: Part three: In the final part of our series covering the U.S. Department of Energy's (DoE)SunShot-US$1/W program, balance of system (BOS) costs – are addressed.

Abstract

BOS FALLS into two main divisions; the hard costs for installation materials and labour; and the soft costs, which can truly add up fast: This would include things like financing, permitting, inspections, and specialised paperwork for regional and national incentives. When DoE went looking for the right person to head up the new Solar Energy Technology Program , Secretary of Energy Steven Chu wanted somebody with a semiconductor background, but also somebody who was not integral to any of the inside markets in the solar system chain. The ideal person would be someone with the knowledge, but without a vested interest in an area, and who could look at the whole picture with an open mind. He found what he was looking for in Dr Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Resident Professor at UC Berkley .