1 If the patent application was filed on or after June 8, 1995, the starting patent term is 20 years. 2  This accounts for the vast majority of patents in force today. 3  The 20 year term is calculated based upon the priority filing date, not counting provisional application or the original filing in a foreign country.
The report indicates that the median installed price of PV systems completed in 2012 was $5.30/W for residential and small commercial systems smaller than 10 kilowatts (kW) in size and was $4.60/W for commercial systems of 100 kW or more in size.
A 5kW solar electric system will cost approximately $20,000. That total includes the cost for all components â solar panels, panel mounts, and inverter â and labor associated with installation. Be sure to keep in mind all the money youâll save in lower electric bills and tax credits.