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1. As they relate
to fixed solar solutions, what is the difference between "grid
attached" and "off grid?"
"Grid attached" means the solar cell solution
is installed where attachment to the electric utility is also present.
"Off grid" means installation is remote from any utility connection.
Due to today's high-amortized cost for solar energy solutions vs. getting
power from electric companies (the electric grid), most solar solutions
in the United States have been installed in remote locations without
electric company access (off grid). This has impacted growth in the
US, and therefore, about 75% of solar solutions are being installed
outside of the US where electric costs are either higher or electric
connections are not available. To be truly successful, solar solutions
must be competitive in energy grid attached solutions. This means comparable
cost to the power companies $/kW.
2. What is SolarAmp's product?
The "product" of SolarAmp is the patented
technology that is developed and tested for commercialization through
partners.
3. Who do you foresee as the target market for
SolarAmp's technology?
There are a number of target markets for SolarAmp's technology. First
is the ability to be a direct PV module replacement in today's fixed
panel solar solutions. This "replacement" is primarily because
of significantly lower component and assembly costs. There are also
considerable environmental values to molecular solutions.
Second is the ability to integrate the molecular solution into non-traditional
fixed solutions such as building materials. Here the advantages include
cost, thinness (microns), and clarity of the molecular solution.
Third is the ability to use a flexible vs. fixed substrate. This will
allow luggable solutions that should prove very attractive in developing
countries and eventually even portable or wearable solutions.
4. What is the PV module?
The photovoltaic or PV module is the part of the solar energy solution
that converts sunlight to electricity. Typically, this is the large
fixed panels. The remainder of the solar solution is often called the
balance of system or BOS.
5. What is the value of a renewable energy source
as opposed to nonrenewable?
Nonrenewable is just that, nonrenewable in any reasonable time
frame. Therefore, the question is not if, but when we will run out of
nonrenewable energy alternatives such as oil, coal and gas. The value
to renewable energy sources is that they will not be depleted. For instance,
the earth is bombarded daily with sunlight equal to many times the worldwide
demand for energy.
6. What impact do you see this solution having
on the environment?
Sunlight and the sun's solar energy are totally environmentally
friendly. Unlike many of today's PV module solutions, SolarAmp's molecular
PV solution is also totally environmentally friendly.
7. Can we expect to see reduction in US dependence on foreign oil with
this product?
To the extent that oil-based energy demand from public utilities
can be cost effectively replaced by alternative energy solutions such
as solar cells; the demand for oil will go down. When compared to today's
electric utility costs, SolarAmp believes that its solid-state molecular
technology will allow cost effective solar solutions and therefore reduce
oil-based electricity generation.
8. How do you see this product being used as
a portable solar energy source?
There are very exciting applications for a luggable or portable
PV module. In developing countries, there is a significant demand for
power in remote locations where "grid" power is not available.
In fact, today, some 40% of the world's population does not have access
to power.
Solar energy can be the "cell phone" of electricity. Currently,
fixed PV panels are expensive; hard to get where they are needed and
succeptible to vandalism.
The initial portable target is a luggable solution that is cost-effective,
can be easily transported to remote locations and can be rolled up and
protected at night. The next step would be fully portable or even wearable
PV material.
9. Can the manufacturing, thus the purchasing
cost of this module, be kept within an acceptable range?
There are a number of costs associated with a solar solution. Today
about 2/3 of the total cost of the solar cell solution is the PV module.
SolarAmp is addressing cost by having by far the lowest cost active
PV material, a much simpler manufacturing process for fixed panels and
eventually the ability to use a flexible alternative to fixed glass
panels.
10. How do you see SolarAmp's product impacting
the home consumer?
Initially, there was a significant focus on electric companies building
fields of mega-panels for solar energy. Today, the focus is individual
home and business solutions. Many states and key countries such as Germany
and Japan now offer tax incentives for the purchase of the solar solutions
and also mandate "reverse metering". Reverse metering is where
the electric company must buy solar energy in excess of demand by running
the meter in reverse. When cost-effective solar solutions are available,
they will yield considerable value to the consumer through reduced electricity
and tax incentives.
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