Home SMART 100 2018 Solar 4 RV’s

Solar 4 RV’s [SMART 100, 2018]

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This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.

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1. THE BEGINNING

This innovation initially came to life when…

There were no companies in Australia specialising in lightweight solar solutions for caravans, boats and vehicles. Off-grid power for mobile applications introduce a diverse set of considerations compared to residential solar including:

  •  Vehicle movement resulting in changing sun angles;
  •  Towing weight limits requiring lightweight options;
  •  Awkward installation sites including curved roofs, boat decks or canvas biminis;
  •  Various environmental conditions including salt water, dust or corrugated roads;
  •  Batteries may be idle for months at a time.

2. WHAT & HOW

The purpose of this innovation is to…

…give people and businesses access to solar power for motorhomes, campers, yachts, ferries, golf buggies, utes, trucks, emergency vehicles, tool trailers and equipment, regardless of their technical expertise, by guiding them through the complexities of product choice and installation options.

It does this by…

…offering a full-suite of services and products called ADAPT including an initial ASSESSMENT, DESIGNING a system, providing ADVICE, recommencing and supplying quality compatible PRODUCTS and ultimately THROUGH-LIFE SUPPORT.

3. PURPOSE & BENEFITS

This innovation improves on what came before because…

Technical advice and support is provided so people can identify what size solar system meets their needs, what compatible quality products suit their application, and how to install onto various surfaces such as aluminium, canvas, fibreglass. This alleviates their stress in reading copious, contradictory information on the web and trying to identify what is accurate and which claims are realistic.

Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…

Access to the largest range of lightweight, high efficiency, thin solar panels with the latest technology plus reliable and detailed advice accumulated through years of engineering field trials, research and testing not easily replicated by competitors.

4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

In the past, this problem was solved by…

Guesswork or using solar installed on buildings as a guide. Issues for mobile applications such as towing weight, curved roofs, movement, environmental conditions and idle batteries for months were not considered. Glass topped panels are heavy (a 155W rigid panel weighs 10.7kg and is 35cm thick) yet a 150W thin solar panel weighs 3.3kg and is 3cm thick.

EBay sellers and online retailers that add a few cheap solar panels to their online stores however the technical expertise to support the purchase and provide a variety of product options is unique to solar 4 RVs.

5. TARGET MARKET

It is made for…

  • Travellers, holiday makers, caravan/boat manufacturers and industry.
  • Statistics show RV registrations reached 615,301 at 31 January 2016 with 63% of grey nomads spending more than 3 months away so the positive impact of sustainable travel is significant. Thousands of customers and over 400 businesses utilise the design and advice service and buy the lightweight products.

  • Caravan parks are expensive so larger water holding tanks, showers, toilets and washing machines are becoming must-have items for free-camping. They increase weight so lightweight, sophisticated solar systems are required to cope with increased loads and length of time without grid power.

It is available for sale through…

A showroom, storage warehouse, workshop and offices South East of Melbourne plus RV manufacturers, auto electricians, marine electricians, marinas and boat builders across Australia.

Our marketing strategy is to…

  • Maintain an informative website, sponsorships, partnerships and editorial exposure. The uniqueness of the business has resulted in features in many marine and caravanning magazines plus business and solar magazines.
  • High profile installations provide publicity for example Tony Longhurst’s $2.5m luxury catamaran, the Adelaide University Solar Racing vehicle and Lisa Blair’s yacht becoming the first female to circumnavigate Antarctica solo.

 

FINE PRINT: This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.

Maven Judge Vote: Solar 4 Rv’s – Smart 100 2018
(Please note – The form below is for judging purposes only and is restricted to the public)