Readers of CleanTechnica might remember the article about the innovative Volt Solar Tile published a year ago. Peter Leeson, the visionary founder, made some predictions about where the company would be by the beginning of 2025. Now, the company is seeking crowdfunding to expand into the US market, a crucial step for its continued growth.
Volt Solar Tile’s US Market Expansion: A Closer Look
Challenges of Crossing the Border
Breaking into the US market presents unique challenges. Different regulations mean the design needs tweaks to maintain Volt’s speed of installation and affordability. The team has redesigned the product to account for roof construction variations in the US, adapting to battens and glued tiles. The designs are finalized, and prototypes are in the works, and meeting UL standards is a top priority. Manufacturing in China, while currently cheaper due to the superior supply chain, is complicated by potential tariffs. As a result, the plan is to manufacture the aluminum frame (Volt’s primary IP) in Australia, importing solar cells from China.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
Production costs and sale prices are also affected by country-specific credits and tariffs. The US has its own unique set of tariffs, solar production credits, and income tax credits on installation, depending on the product’s origin.
Crowdfunding: A Community Connection
Volt is leveraging crowdfunding as a way to connect with a community of supporters, further fostering their growth and spreading the word. They’ve found a positive reception from venture capitalists and distributors, who are impressed by the product’s ease of distribution and scalability.
The Volt Solar Tile: A Closer Look at the Technology
Key Features
- Quick installation: This is a major selling point.
- Low cost: Attracting potential customers in the market.
- Optimized for US roofs: Designed to fit various roof constructions.
- Partnership opportunities: Collaboration with a large concrete roof tile manufacturer for integration.
Project Timeline and Potential Markets
Volt expects to have the product onshore in the US by June, enabling early sales and installation. They are also pursuing funding opportunities under the Sunshot program, which will aid in these plans.
Target Markets
- California: State mandate for solar installations on new homes offers a prime target market.
- Florida: Reroofing projects offer a significant market for Volt Solar Tiles.
- Australia: Potential for increased demand due to the National Construction Code 2022’s mandated energy budget for new homes.
Expansion Plans
Volt anticipates tripling its installations from 50 homes to over 150 in the next 12 months, with additional approvals and funding. By the end of 2025, they aim to be established throughout California and Florida, with further expansion across the US.
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I hope this article gives you a comprehensive update on Volt Solar Tile’s progress. I’m confident that this innovative technology will play a significant role in the future of solar energy. It’s exciting to see this company take on the challenge of bringing their products to a new market and to a broader community of customers. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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