Prices for photovoltaic modules—the part of solar panels
that turn sunlight into electricity—are expected to continue falling, in line
with the long-term trend that has persisted since 1980, according to Near
Zero's survey of experts. On average, global installations per year are not
expected to increase much from the record level in 2011, but the total
installed solar capacity is expected to soar to 300 gigawatts by 2018, and 600
GW by 2025.