Solar Installation SIM VR
Initial Research
Problem
Our primary methods for energy production Create millions of metric tons of CO2 Emissions
Government policies favor high-polluting energy sources making the transition to cleaner energy fall on consumers.
The biggest barrier to entry into residential solar is Costs with a 5Kw system costing $20,000 before tax credit.
Why Solar?
Comparing solar to coal lifetime carbon dioxide Equivalents 40 Grams per KWH to 1000 Grams per KWH
Life span ranging from 25-40 years
90 percent of materials in solar Panels can be recycled
Solar uses 0 gallons of water compared to 100-1000s required in coal/ nuclear
Benefit of Gamification
Transforms learning into a game that helps people assimilate and retain knowledge without noticing.
Gives you the ability to practice and apply what you learn in a Safe Environment (ex. Flight Simulators)
Education in climate change can cause fear and uncertainty so it is important to teach it in a way that empowers them with effective actions
The effective actions in this case are the skills needed to install a solar system which they can use to benefit themselves and their community
Proposed Solution
Provide an Educational / Training resource people can use to learn and practice.
Companies can use it for training increasing the number of qualified installers creating more competition bringing down prices
A 5KW System costs $8,500 saving $11,500 (larger systems have increased savings)
Every KW converted to solar lowers carbon emissions by 3,000 pounds a year
Survey take aways.
The Savings incentives are more than enough for respondents to consider a DIY Install
Focus on a level with a ground-based system
By making it a visual medium like a game I would be teaching roughly 70 percent of respondents in a way they consider their strongest learning style. (combination of doing and visual)
Include resources on applying for permits and safely working with electricity
