An accessible solar energy system that accommodates a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle. W+ Home is a small-scale solar solution for consumers who want to participate in the generation of renewable energy in their homes while minimizing their impact on their environment.
Current home solar energy systems are only installable in houses and undergo an extensive and complicated start-up process. These barriers block potential consumers from switching over to solar energy. The W+ Home system accommodates those interested in limiting their negative environmental impact while living in different types of homes.
A single capsule contains enough power for an entire workday. The W+ Capsule is able to reduce our reliance on the non-renewable energy sources that continue to damage our earth. We believe that some of the smallest changes have the biggest impacts. The W+ system provides a small lifestyle adjustment that can promote greater positive environmental change.
W+ Home is divided into three main steps: energy generation, energy conversion, and portable energy storage. Each step is a separate product that makes up our home system, and are managed and controlled with the W+ Home app.
The three products that comprise the W+ Home system are the W+ Shades, W+ Hub, and W+ Capsules. The W+ Shades are modular solar panels that generate energy from the sun. The W+ Home acts as both the energy conversion/storage unit and the Capsule charging dock. The W+ Capsules are portable energy storage units that charge devices and have a convenient hotspot.
The W+ Shade panels are made of two materials in the front and on the back. The side facing the window is inlaid with OPV(Organic Photovoltaic) solar panels, while the opposite side is covered with a vinyl-topped textile that creates a more homey and tactile experience. Each shade column rotates on its vertical axis to position itself towards the sun and opens and closes horizontally along the shade’s tracks. This system can be set to auto-mode or be manually controlled via the app.
The W+ Hub is a wall-mounted dock that can convert solar energy currents, store energy, and charge capsules. It displays the Sun Score, Shade Mode, and Energy Rate when people come within a 3ft proximity to the device. A rope wire extends from the Hub and connects to up to three W+ Shades.
The W+ Capsules are able to take away the reliance on traditional electrical grid plugs to charge our products and devices. Containing 25,000 mAH of energy, one capsule is enough to power an entire workday. With one tap, the top of the capsule can light up and act as a work light, night light, or ambient light. These capsules can also be taken outside of the home and provide charge regardless of your location.
The W+ app connects the community of W+ home owners and acts as a controller for this system while providing data for the energy generation, flow, savings, and consumption. It will also guide users while installing the W+ Home system.
The W+ app can change from auto mode to fractal mode, allowing for manual control of the shades from any location.
Throughout the decision-making process, we have always prioritized the users and the ethics behind our designs. It is important for us to consider the impacts our designs will have on both people and the world. The W+ system is a flexible solution that is able to seamlessly flow into the lifestyles of different users.
The W+ capsules are flexible in their use. They can be used to charge small electronic devices for work, be taken outdoors to power devices remotely and provide hotspot, and can charge your electronics overnight. The lighting feature can also provide light while working or can serve as a nightlight.
The W+ Capsules and W+ Hub are made with Nuatan Bioplastics, a 100% renewable and biodegradable composite. The W+ Shades are backed with Vescom textiles. This is a vinyl textile company that has a wide range of fabric options from linen to wool. The vinyl is easily removable and is also 100% recyclable. The hardware is formed with brushed aluminum which adds a softer and more subtle appearance to the shades design.
The four colorways are able to accommodate for different home aesthetics while remaining classic and neutral. Daylight and Dusk provide minimalism and flexibility, while Sunset and Eve adds both warmth and vibrance to the collection.
Our users will first download the W+ Home App before buying the W+ system to ease them into the onboarding process. This will help users find the appropriate placement and size for the blinds based on the unique requirements of their home. The app will calculate the sun angle and assess the sunlight pattern of your area through location services. With the application, the W+ home system can be made completely automated or manually controllable from the convenience of your phone.
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