Innovative Fireman's Switch for Photovoltaic Systems: towards large-scale production

Project Information

INNO PV-SWITCH

Grant agreement ID: 773639

DOI

10.3030/773639

Project closed

EC signature date 12 May 2017

Start date 1 May 2017

End date 31 August 2017

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Nanotechnologies

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

BENEDICT GMBH
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - INNO PV-SWITCH (Innovative Fireman's Switch for Photovoltaic Systems: towards large-scale production)

Reporting period: 2017-05-01 to 2017-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, which cannot be switched off. In case of emergency, such as fire, this poses great risk for firefighters. INNO PV-SWITCH assures immediate and total shutdown when switching off the system, avoiding electrical shock hazards. The objective of this phase 1 was to evaluate viability of the project from various perspectives.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

1. Technically we have identified the tools and equipment for production process, the risks associated with the project and the mitigation measures.
2. Commercially we have analysed the target groups (wholesalers and end-users such as PV systems manufacturers and installers). We have set the elements to establish a distributor network for our geographic market strategy, which targets EU, Asia-Pacific and North America. This strategy has been established based on our analysis of the market, which is mainly regulation driven. We have also analysed the standards and certifications required, as well as the incentives put in place for solar energy, which directly affect this project. We have designed a dissemination and communication strategy and established our freedom to operate.
3. The financial viability is guaranteed by a business model with a specific pricing strategy that differentiates between final users (€200) and our direct purchasers (€53), who will act as distributors. We have made some sales forecast and a preliminary budget that show that the project will have a successful return on investment (1.02% after 5 years). We have set other financial indicators and targets to evaluate project success.
4. Our business plan includes a preliminary work plan with 6 work packages that include technical optimization, serial production launching, transition to industrialization, commercialization activities and project management.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

With INNO PV-SWITCH we intend to provide a fireman’s switch for PV installations to ensure firefighter’s safety in case of emergency. In particular, this will be demanded in countries where fireman’s switches are mandatory in all installations (US, UK). Our fireman’s switch will not only be technically superior to the competition in that it can shut down the system completely, but also in the fact that it will be internationally certified so that it can be commercialized worldwide. This will allow us to have a global approach to our commercial strategy and we expect large impact (shows in our sales forecast and employment creation).

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