$2-per-watt Solar Systems

Nanosolar is announcing today that they will be selling lower cost solar panels.

Using its new manufacturing process that “prints” photovoltaic material on aluminum backing, ot says it can slash prices up to 80%. These photovoltaic panels are being made in Silicon Valley as well as in Germany.

Nanosolar’s founder and CEO, Martin Roscheisen, claims to be able to sell solar panels for less than $1 a watt, and still at a profit.

“With a $1-per-watt panel,” he said, “it is possible to build $2-per-watt systems.”

More good news from the company — it chose to build its plant in San Jose instead of Asia as most of the microelectronics industry. Good for them and good for us.