Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Soltile (A roof integrated solar tile system to develop cost-effective distributed solar power generation.)
Reporting period: 2015-07-01 to 2015-10-31
There is an increasing global need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as a resource and convert to renewable production of energy. Traditional solar installations require large amounts of material, equipment and labour resulting in often unattractive systems and a poor market adoption. Soltiles innovative business project aims to significantly contribute to the uptake of solar power for individual properties disrupting the existing model of utility scale central power generation. The objectives of the Phase 2 are to re-engineer the tiles for increased efficiency; optimise the manufacturing processes of the tile; establish compliance with necessary regulation; and install and test 18 roofs for complete system validation. The overall objective of the project is to start full commercialisation of Soltiles’ solar technology as a reliable innovation validated by the relevant clients, building contractors, and end-users, homeowners.
Soltiles undertook a full analysis of both the technical and business potential of the Soltile solar roofing tile establishing early on in the Phase 1 project that the intended ESCO business model would not be financially viable. Soltiles therefore reassessed its manufacturing capital requirements and go-to-market strategy and calculated five year financial projections based on these sale channels. Soltiles analysed its current level of development to realise the necessary optimisation of technology required and reviewed the overall project objectives. A suitable risk analysis was carried out, with system level reliability issues and bottlenecks in production identified as key risks, and necessary mitigation strategies prepared. Within the business feasibility, Soltiles addressed its value chain identifying strategic partnerships that will be fundamental to both the successful delivery of the Phase 2 project and through commercialisation. During the PH1 project Soltiles has defined a minimum viable product, established engineering and industrialisation plans, and as well prepared the IP strategy.
The expected outcome of the project is to start full commercialisation of Soltiles’ solar roofing tile at the end of Phase 2 as a reliable innovation validated by the relevant clients and end users. The Soltiles solution will offer an efficient and reliable solution to residential solar power whilst maintaining the aesthetics of the property. Soltiles will also create jobs and boost economic growth for European SMEs. Soltiles’ technology will strongly contribute to the goals of the EU2020 targets with respect to climate change and energy, considering the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 20% and 20% of energy to be produced by renewables. In alignment with the EU directive, Soltiles strives to convert buildings to Net Zero Energy Homes reducing the environmental impact of the building industry.