Photovoltaics for product designers How designers deal with complexity of PV powered product design

摘要

How do product designers apply photovoltaic solar technology in consumer products? That question is addressed in this paper. Six design projects were analysed for the application of guidelines from the Delft Design Approach. This is a generic design approach for the design of renewable energy powered products, based on a phase model for product design, the Energy Matching Model and a Design for Sustainability benchmark. The analysis indicates that structural application of the guidelines facilitates the design process, and makes it more transparent. Further research and development for the Delft Design Approach is desirable in order to improve the development of PV powered products.