SKIE – Smart solar shades

SKIE is a greentech startup focuses on developing smart energy-producing solar shades. It combines solar shading with energy production through capturing solar power in windows. The solution could potentially save a substantial amount of energy required for cooling, while offering a new dimension in harnessing renewable energy by turning building facades from passive to active elements. It offers design alternatives for new builds and activation of existing buildings. The project objectives include business development, product development and producing a prototype. SKIE´s ultimate goal is to internationalise to countries with a need for sustainable and accessible energy solutions.

Outcome of the project include knowledge and test results gained of different organic solar cells, which could be used for completing the prototype. Validating SKIE shade aesthetically and functionally could have provided answers to market validation but also demonstrate to relevant industry stakeholders and policy makers new ways of harnessing renewables, and hence create a platform for allowing energy trading via private grid via new policy. Social wise, SKIE could have increase awareness on energy consumption by empowering building users with an inclusive design. Environmental wise, SKIE could have contributed to reduction of unnecessary energy use on cooling in glazed building.