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 though 3.

 

Shingles for homes and Opaque glass PV facades are two examples of integrated PV products that are currently available on the market. Our proposed product is a WINDOW SHADE??? with integrated Photovoltaics.

Photovoltaics (PV) convert sunlight directly to electricity and are now being used to power things such as roadside phones, heating pools to 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 resulting from technological breakthroghs. World wide sales of photovoltaic products totaled over 90 megawatts in 1996, up from 1995. US controls about 43% of this $1 billion global market. The annual US market for PV on buildings could top $2.5 billion in the next 10 years with Japanese and European markets having similar potentials. The fastest growing markets for photovoltaic systems include the utility, rural electrification, telecommunicatins and military sectors. The graph below shows market growth for PV products over time.

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 can pay for the PV system, with the homeowner never again having to pay another electric bill.

 

(Not done yet..you'll get an email tonight)