The State of Solar Panels in the US

Circular Value Chain Analysis

Project Overview

As part of my Circular Designer Certification class through Circulab, our team capstone project was to analyze and identify the systems surrounding photovoltaic solar panels from sand extraction through use and post primary uses in the US.

We utilized the value chain canvas, vulnerabilities + opportunities, "how might we?" method, and partner map, to identify current industry conditions and opportunities. Analyzing the business model of the largest US manufacturer led to us building a new circular that capitalizes on their missed and wasted potential to create sustainable growth.

My Contributions

As team lead and the only American in the group, it was my duty to aggrigate and interpret data, and fill in cultural and experience gaps of our group. Organizing zoom sessions across continents and work schedules, we were able to come together as a team and shed light on the real (sorry) state of solar energy in the US.

See the full Miro board here.

Value Chain Canvas

Systems Mapping

The value chain canvas is utilized as a way to map the photovoltaic (PV) solar panels life cycles in the US market. Beginning with design and moving through material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, repair, collection, and next use or recycling of materials to be reused.

Needless to say, it was rather disheartening to see how far behind the US is compared to other developed nations in its renewable energy policy and regulation. The amount of wasted resources and environmental impact is staggering. So we began analyzing the risks and opportunities that face an evolving energy sector.

Vulnurabilities + Opportunities

Identifying the Possibilities

We were able to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for each of the main factors in manufacturing PV panels. We noted the lack of dual industry involvement, repairability due to proprietary parts, and almost complete lack of reuse or recycling industry in the US.

How Might We?

Creative Problem Solving

We asked a lot of HMW questions aimed at tackling some of the most egregious waste, ultimately landing upon a mixed use land business model idea. We decided to focus on three aspects of the solar panel life cycle.
1. The repairability of solar panels, empowering people with easy to use blueprints and instructions

Partner Map

Identifying the Stakeholders

Every product, service, and system have players at each step of their value chain. Mapping these out we identified patterns and key partners that generate most of the supply, demand, and waste within the solar panel system.

Circular Business Model Canvas

Creating a New Model

Finally, we outlined a business model canvas with each step in the current business model for First Solar Inc. that represents the typical solar company in the United States. In addition to a standard business model canvas, this one incorporates the positive and negative impacts that a business model has on its environment and its affect on the revenues and costs associated with such impacts.