South Carolina Patent of the Month – September 2021
Window shades are used to block the light coming into a room which means they are inherently hit with lots of sunlight. GeigTech East Bay, LLC decided to use this feature to harness solar power. They have designed a window shade with solar panels to fulfill a shade’s original purpose while capturing solar energy and returning it to the grid, or using it in the building.
The window shade is designed to pull out of a tube, like many classic shades. Pulling it down unrolls it and it locks in place. Reversing it causes it to roll back up in the holding tube. The shade itself is made with a solar film on the outside facing side and can roll and unroll along with the shade itself. This film is printed or adhered on to the shade, depending on what type of material you want the shade to be. The solar film can intake and capture the solar energy that hits it, converting it to usable electricity and storing it either in batteries or sending it to the grid to power other devices or buildings. This type of innovation is beneficial all around, from offering green energy sources to helping block sun that was too bright from entering the room. Dual purpose products are often much more beneficial to the user, and the environment.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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