Penn Solar Design Challenge
Winning team in challenge sponsored by Smart Design and GAF Roofing
Background
Many aspects of people's lives are becoming high tech and more connected, but the roof remains a part of someone's house that no one thinks about until there are issues. Large roofing companies must change this attitude and prepare for the future so that they can become more relevant in a homeowner's life.
problem
How might GAF (the largest US roofing company) become a market leader in solar roofing and integrate its system into the smart home of the future? How might GAF use their soon to be launched solar tiles to prepare for the future of the company?
Ideation
Using design criteria that the system had to be cost effective and have value for the user, we arrived at a number of ideas. We made sure to leverage the new roof rack system that was created for the new solar tiles. We solved for modularity and future proofing the roof.
approach
Research
As part of the challenge, our team had four weeks to interview customers and experts to create a solution for GAF. We conducted design research, derived insights and ideas, and mocked up ideas to be presented to executives from the company.
The team interviewed 7 customers and experts and came up with a few insights:
Customers do not want to spend large sums of money on solar and want to recoup the expenses within 5 years
Because solar technology is improving rapidly, homeowners are afraid to invest now
People want to bring the outside inside
Mockup of GAF solar roof with modular tile system.
Solution
Our modular roof system integrates different types of roof tiles that snap easily into the racking system present on roof. These tiles can be used for decorative services or sensing and can be easily swapped out and upgraded in the future.
Skylight tile
The skylight tiles can be installed on the roof like existing sunroofs and not sacrifice roof integrety.
Sensor Tile
The sensor tiles easily attaches to the roof system and can be used to collect many different sources of data and inputs. The tile can be updated or modified for any future technologies or needs.
Message Tile
The messaging tiles can be used as displays for messages or decorations.
Green Planter
The planter connects directly to the roof in order to form a green roof. Rainwater may be stored and recycled for use in watering the plants.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to large purchases for home use, customers want their purchase to pay off
Customers do not want to be stuck with their decision
Interview all stakeholders including staff experts, contractors, and potential customers
Consider the functions that a business has and integrate solution with their current offering
Conclusion
With the modular roofing system GAF has more possibilities to connect to consumers and become a leader in an adjacent field. The system fits well into a product line that will be launched shortly and leads to new revenue models for GAF.
Our idea was well received by GAF executives, as well as a solar and house contractor, and won the first place prize. GAF also agreed to build a model on Penn's campus to be featured during the launch of their new product.