Jonathan Cohen
Product:
The product I bring to you today is Sun Step Solar paths. The Idea is actually very simple:
The product I bring to you today is Sun Step Solar paths. The Idea is actually very simple:
A solar panel would be
sealed under a heavy impact-resistant textured(for grip) glass sheet.
These privately installed walkways and driveways made from multiple
modular panels wont just provide power for the house to which they're
attached. They will also heat themselves to prevent frost and light
up at night to help the owners see the path even at
night.
Competition:
Competition:
Sungevity:
The
web site and ads shown below have a very positive feel and most focus
on the potential savings that solar power offers. Obviously the idea
of saving money on your power bill would entice most people
I
consider traditional solar panel companies to be the greatest
competition for Sun Step as they are both are offering personal power
generation while “Solar Roadways” is looking to replace how the
electric company creates the power they supply. The biggest point of
difference is space, rooftop solar panels can only cover your roof.
Ground based panels take up a fair bit of otherwise usable space and
can be a bit of an eyesore. The Sun Step Solar paths however can
replace driveways, walkways, patios, and offer a much greater variety
of designs.
I like the idea of the walkway not only creating power for the house but heating and lighting up ass well. Having more uses makes it a far more innovative invention. I can already picture it being advertised and used.
ReplyDeleteI think you have an excellent combo of energy renewal here, along side the windows that do provide solar. I think i would certainly try this if it was semi affordable or financeable. The dual purpose I think is great, and we need more of these ideas. Not sure if you read anywhere the Chinese are working on a vibration plate, instead of solar it uses vibrations. Design a road out of it and cars that drive on it make power, semi similar concept.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea, maybe it could be expanded to sidewalks and parking lots. You could even simply market it as a path you never have to shovel out, that alone would sell the product without mentioning the possibility of using it to power one’s home.
ReplyDeleteJonathan – this is well thought out, and I believe that marketing this to home owners, as a site-specific retail product that offsets electric bills is a viable idea. An added bonus is the automatic snow-removal for northern climates. A financing idea, that personal solar arrays currently use, is not for outright buying… but for leasing, making the installation much more affordable. Iceland has been using geothermal power to heat walkways/driveways for many years… but it is state sponsored and paid for (not the retail product you are going to market). And Chicago and other cities have some downtown heated sidewalks. So – the time is right for this product! You have identified some good competitors to study. Nice work.
ReplyDelete