Let us assume for the moment that a 500Watt system is suitable for small households. The final system can have other components including M2M circuitry that interfaces with a SIM card for supply of usage data for lease holding, but our simple starting point has the following components:
- Panel
- Charge controller
- Battery
- Inverter?
- Hob
It does seem that even at todays (UK) retail prices, a system with these components could be brought together. One could have the panel, controller, inverter and battery for about $350, and run a 230V hob (which would add $50) – Total $400.
Alternatively one could keep to 12V but would have to design and get built a 12V 500W hob, giving a total system cost of around $300.
These prices have been estimated from data collected in June 2013, and based on retail online prices. It therefore seems more than possible that even at todays prices, a system could be mass produced with a $250 wholesale cost (conservatively).
We started our note by aiming at the year 2020. By then with the decrease of panel prices, and by ensuring a dedicated product design, it would seem more than reasonable to think that $180 retail (including market distribution costs and profit) is a viable target price.
Solar Electric Cooking 