Component Two

• Give two examples and descriptions of products (and the companies where they are produced) which are commercially available and directly related to the NCT application your team has selected.

The first product we have found that is relevant to our product idea is called Millennia^TM.   Millennia is made by BP Solar. Millennia photovoltaic (PV) modules utilize "tandem-junction" thin film technology to transform light into electricity. Tandem-junction is their process of combining two layers of thin film solar cells each converting a different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum into electricity, thereby improving the film's efficiency. Manufacturing these modules requires less silicon and energy than traditional PV modules making them less expensive and more environmentally friendly to produce and implement in BIPV systems. These modules have a higher productivity in hot field conditions than crystalline products, making them ideal for our awning application.

The second product that we feel is related to our project is another type of thin film solar cells made by Sustainable Technologies Australia called titania solar cells.

Titania cells have some excellent advantages over other solar cells including the ability to perform well in low light and shade, a lower sensitivity to angle of radiation, consistent performance over a wide range of temperatures, and production as either colored-transparent or opaque glass.

Image used with the permission of STA

Production facilities for titania cells utilize commonly available non-vacuum processing equipment - vastly cheaper than facilities required for manufacture of silicon solar cells; and their manufacture produces no toxic gas emissions.

These cells are used in conjunction with the SMART windows where a voltage applied for a short period of time will change the optical state of the window. The electrochromic effect in the SMART Window has a memory, therefore it does not require continuous power. The "low e state" transmits most light, while the "heat reject state" transmits some visible light and rejects almost all infrared radiation. SMART Windows range in size from 30 cm squares to panels 90 cm by 120 cm.

• Identify a product or trade organization affiliated with the products you identified, describe their mission, number of companies involved and economic importance.

As a non-profit organization, International Solar Energy Society, ISES, was first formed in 1954. This organization allows for the exchange of information concerning solar energy. With more than 4,000 members from more than 105 countries, ISES is widely known for promoting the development of renewable energies.

Membership in the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) ranges throughout the United States. Of particular interest to our team was the fact that two of their chapters are based in Florida and one is an educational chapter affliated with the University of Florida.

As an individual member of the ASES, one has the opportunity to remain informed, influential, and involved in the development of their profession as they join other people who share an interest in advances in solar energy: architects, engineers, researchers, scientists, builders, government officials, utility representatives, activists and consumers. As ASES members, corporations share common interests for the safe and positive advance through the use of solar technologies.

The benefits of becoming an ASES corporate member include: a subscription to SOLAR TODAY magazine, publications discounts, conference registration discounts and full voting privileges.

In conjunction with our project a division of ASES is solar buildings that promotes the efficient use of solar energy. It also emphasizes related technologies in architecture, engineering, planning, construction, design and research.

As a member, annual conferences are available for participation. The National Solar Energy Conference facilitates the exchange of information concerning solar energy technologies. Presentations are given by leaders in technical and professional fields. Take a moment and view some highlights from the past two conferences, SOLAR 99 and SOLAR 2000.

• Propose a new product or process based on the team's NCT application, provide details regarding possible customer base, suggested retail price (per unit) and projected sales of product for years 1 through 3.

Our proposed product is an awning with integrated photovoltaics. Click here to view further details about our product. The primary economic benefit of our product is energy utilization. In the 21st century, there has been a tremendous increase in power prices especially in the state of California. On Monday, December 18, 2000 the Los Angeles Times reported that the "Utilities are billions of dollars in debt, power supplies have become so fickle that businesses risk losing millions, Christmas light displays have become a symbolic casualty, and higher rates loom for consumers as California copes with its most significant energy crisis in two decades."

Photovoltaics (PV) are extremely important because of their ability to convert sunlight directly into electricity. Currently, they are used in things such as roadside phones, heating pools and suburb homes, saving consumers millions of dollars annually. PV products have gained popularity in the market due to increased concern about global warming and as a result of falling prices due to technological breakthroughs. Due to the power crisis and deregulations, the U.S. electric power industry of $250 billion will bring changes that will significantly impact the demand for solar energy in the U.S. and abroad. This will eventually provide opportunities for growth both in the solar and utility industry. There are more than 10,000 homes in the United States that are now entirely powered by solar energy. In 1996, the world wide sales of photovoltaic experienced a 14% increase from the previous year, totaling over 90 megawatts. U.S. controls about 43% of this $1 billion global market. It is expected that the U.S. market for PV on buildings could top $2.5 billion in the next decade with Japanese and European markets having similar growth. The fastest growing markets for photovoltaic systems include the utility, rural electrification, telecommunications and military sectors. The graph below shows market growth for PV products over time.

Courtesy of Australian CRC For Renewable Energy, Ltd

The cost of installing a typical off-grid PV system ($15,000 to $20,000 per kilowatts) is less than the cost of extending electric power lines ($20,000 to $80,000). This saving alone could pay for the PV system, with the homeowner saving money on the electric bill in the long term.

Courtesy of Australian CRC For Renewable Energy, Ltd

The above graph shows component costs of PV system and price reduction over time. As the installation cost decreases over the years, the consumer will be able to benefit more quickly. Our customer base is home, hotel/motel, and other business owners. For a range of prices, our product can be custom installed above the windows on any building.

Based on our research, through emails and web-based catelogues, the cost for the materials required to install a 10 kW system comprised of 245 awnings would be approximately $256,000. The cost is broken down in the following manner:

• $1000 per awning, or $245,000 for 245 awnings.

• $175 for Millennia Module MST-43
• $750 for a support system

• $10,500-$11,000 for the building's components

• $7000 for a 10 kW inverter
• $1100 for a 10 kVA isolation transformer
• $2500 for wiring, combiner boxes, disconnects

Although at first this price may seem too high, the consumer eventually benefits in the long term. Consumers should also make use of other energy saving products such as solar water heaters, reflective roofs, solar energy shingles, double-paned or smart windows, and efficient lighting to reduce their overall electric bill.

• Via e-mail locate a company that might manufacture your proposed product and ask them to evaluate what you have proposed.