Smart roof edge technology

Project Information

SRE

Grant agreement ID: 791535

DOI

10.3030/791535

Project closed

EC signature date 29 November 2017

Start date 1 December 2017

End date 30 April 2018

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

ANERDGY AG
Switzerland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SRE (Smart roof edge technology)

Reporting period: 2017-12-01 to 2018-04-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The objective of this project was to perform a technical and economic feasibility study of Anerdgy’s Multifunctional Roof Edge (MRE) technology and to define next steps for commercialisation. The MRE is an innovative product for flat rooftops combining key building technology functions, design possibilities and renewable energy production. The synergies resulting from this combination allow renewable energy production for buildings to be commercially attractive without subsidies for the first time. This is especially important for customers as the world is recognising the importance of becoming free of fossil fuels more and more and because relevant regulations are being tightened. For example, the EU directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings requires new buildings to cover their energy consumption by energy from renewable sources by December 2020 – and the MRE technology allows them to do so whilst increasing the value of their building.

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

This work included carrying out a market study, customer survey and competitor analysis as well as SWOT and PESTLE analyses to determine the risks, opportunities and threats. This resulted in the development of a new business plan, which is included in the Appendices of the Final Report. The results of this work confirmed the feasibility of the product and provided key insights into the next steps required for its further development and for a successful market introduction. The main insights, which shall be approached in the next phase of the project, are:
• More focus will be made on the modular integration of functions into one product instead of mainly on energy production.
• A simplified version of the product shall be focused on initially in order enable a faster market readiness.
• Simplified product descriptions, better communication of the overall increase in building value and an online configurator for designers are required.
• A number of technological improvements are necessary.
• Strategies for effectively dealing with regional differences in building regulations need to be defined and certification tests carried out.

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)

Phase I of the project has been completed successfully and funding is currently being planned for the main commercialisation phase, included an application for the SME Instrument Phase II. Regarding the impact of the technology, the following conclusions can be made:
• The technology has been found to be highly viable, with very positive potential customer feedback and an estimated market value of €2.3 billion/year.
• The main customer focus has been changed from large companies who own buildings to architects, engineers and building planners.
• The following ten EU countries shall be focused on initially: Denmark, UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland.

Design, function and energy

The MRE installed on some rooftops