Skyven Cogen System just won the ‘Cool Idea! Award’ with its innovative solar panel system. It produces energy for both heating water and energy for electrical power simultaneously. The awarding body, Proto Labs, Inc., is an online website as well as a technology-enabled quick turn manufacturer.
The price associated with the award given to Skyven Technologies is a manufacturing grant that will help in improving the product further.
Skyven Technologies’ winning solar project breakdown
There are three systems in use, CPV, otherwise known as advanced concentrating photovoltaic, solar water heating, and solar photovoltaic energy; which work together to create a single solar panel that is able to multi-task. If a network of panels would be installed on a building, whether commercial or industrial, it would be able to help in efficient handling of electricity while simultaneously heating water with the use of those panels.
Arun Gupta, Ph.D. and Skyven founder, is well aware of the growing solar energy industry. According to him, it is growing by double digits every year, and in the United States alone, it has already reached a $15 billion industry. In America, solar energy is the second source of new energy after natural gas.
Falling price of solar power a big contributor of the energy source success
Solar energy is seeing an increase these past few years due to an increase in awareness, as well as falling price for solar panel technologies and silicone, incentivising consumers to look at solar panel installation for their homes.
Mr. Gupta would want to use the grant the company won to purchase metal and plastic parts that are manufactured by Proto Labs, Inc. Because of the mechanical drivetrains of these solar panels, he would be using Proto Labs’ SL process, also known as the stereolithography process, to create the 3D printed prototypes.
CNC machining and injection moulding will also be done on panel components by Proto Labs. Skyven Technologies is hoping that by 2016, full market launch can be done. Right now, pre-production is at full force and they wish to make sure that a sample would come out by mid 2015.
Skyven takes existing base of solar research and technology to new levels
Proto Labs founder, Larry Lukis said, ‘Skyven has leveraged existing solar technologies, which have been heavily researched and proven over the past few decades, to create a completely new model that builds on each technology’s strengths.’ Because of this, Skygen is able to come up with products that bring solar efficiencies to a higher level. What’s more, the carbon footprint is lessened because of Skygen’s products.
Proto Labs has been continuously helping businessmen since 2011 through prototype and low production services. Over $750,000 in prototypes and low production services have been created. Because of the award that Proto Labs initially started last 2011, more and more businesses and designers alike are given the avenue to be able to come up with new products. Now, innovative ideas and pioneering products are given birth and great inventions are discovered.
With the dual purpose solar panel system, many businesses, even homes, can have great savings. This is why Proto Labs find the best new products that are out and being shared. We need more of these environmentally friendly inventions for a greener earth.
Photo by: Tom Lynch on Flickr
