Innovations Item Code: energy-harvesting-solar-windows
Sector: Renewable/Green Energy
Description:
Our innovation is an hybrid energy-harvesting window system that captures power from both sunlight and heat. By combining a solar panel positioned on the window with a thermocouple setup, we generate electricity even in low-light or shaded areas, maximizing energy output throughout the day. This approach offers a sustainable solution to Nigeria's power challenges, bringing a practical, eco-friendly option to homes and businesses.
Stage of Innovation: Proof of Concept (You have created something to show the innovation can work)
Problem:
Our innovation addresses the pressing issue of Nigeria’s heavy reliance on petrochemical fuels, which contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions and environmental degradation. As petroleum costs continue to rise, the economic burden on households and businesses grows, making it increasingly expensive to maintain and power buildings. Additionally, the high carbon footprint associated with traditional energy sources exacerbates climate change and negatively impacts air quality. By providing an alternative, sustainable energy solution, our hybrid energy-harvesting window system aims to reduce these costs and emissions, creating a cleaner and more affordable way to power homes and businesses.
Unique Selling Point: In our line of business, the existing solution options are Regular roof mounted solar panels An attempt at transparent and/or translucent solar panels How our solution is different While roof mounted solar panels do not allow for a hybrid energy generation from heat and light simultaneously, The infusion of Transparency in solar panels reduces its efficiency to less than 4%, a value which cannot even compete with the 20% efficient regular panels in the market currently Our solution caters for the shortcomings of both of these solutions and is still a functional window.