Design Engineering
Showcase 2020

A novel product-service-system for Off-Grid Solar which employs circular interventions was developed during this project. The proposed system advocates for a step-change in the way solar devices are provided, to prioritise access to electricity, rather than ownership of a solar home system. In this system, users make regular subscription payments, but the device itself remains the property of the providers; elements of the solar system are then replaced as they degrade and break.

Two diagrams were created as communicative assets for the project. The first shows the dominant product-service-system for Off-Grid Solar – PAYGo Solar, and the second diagram shows the designed solution – a circular system for Off-Grid Solar.

Eco Indicator 99, a life cycle impact assessment tool, was used to perform A-B testing between the existing PAYGo Solar system and the proposed solution. Across production, transport, and disposal, the circular Off-Grid Solar system was found to cause less environmental harm, with a 63% improvement of overall outcomes over a 20 year period of a household accessing electricity.

Additionally, expert interviews with industry stakeholders from leading Off-Grid Solar companies were completed to validate the project from a commercial perspective.