What is the potential of solar cooling of industry buildings in selected areas of the USA and how could an innovative business model look like

Abstract

Solar Cooling allows the conditioning of rooms and buildings with mainly solar power instead of primary energy. Firstly discussed in the 1970ies, it is now getting more popular also for households and commercial buildings. The report focuses on the market potential for industry buildings in Texas and California. Both states have a similar impact in matters of solar radiation. However, political decisions and partially existing financial incentive programs in California have helped the state to be far ahead of the other. The report provides a short introduction on the technology. Solar cooling is tightly connected to solar water and space heating. Solar cooling solutions can either be thermally or electrically driven. Photovoltaic panels convert solar radiation into direct current electricity which can be used to run an air conditioning device. The solar thermal process focuses on hot water creation needed for running the devices. The thesis' focus is on solar thermal solutions. The paper further evaluates the market potential by analyzing and providing a detailed market overview with a concentration on Texas and California when possible. Included is also a section on the current competitive surrounding of solar thermal and solar cooling in the two mentioned states. The paper also gives a compact overview of the most important incentive systems in place, since they had a major impact on installations in European countries like Germany or Austria. For evaluating the economical potential, a detailed overview on loci of resistance is needed. They need to be evaluated in order to plan the market entry strategies as well as marketing needs. Based on their outcome, as well as on findings during the research, potential innovative ideas for business models are being discussed.<br />