Final Product Progress
Date:2/28/2024
Subject: Final Product Progress
Assessment:
I have recently begun on my final product, a daunting task that will take a combination of multiple months to complete. I understood that this product would have to be grand and truly show how much I have put into this program. I had all of these hopes but until recently I had no idea what I would create. This is because I needed to connect LEED ideals with solar panels, which was a difficult combination to fulfill. However, I have landed on the idea, of a solar panel shield. An environmentally friendly, autonomous, strong mat that covers solar panels in case of a natural disaster. This idea stems from the fact that many solar panel sales end because of the risk that solar panels can be damaged by hail or snow. By using the Solar Panel Shield people will be more likely to buy solar panels and make more sales for my mentor. The first thing to begin with is to make a material for this shield. The plan is to find the best organic material that is LEED-friendly and also a material that has malleable materials that can bend into a cylinder. I plan to have this environmentally friendly material covering and securing a metal grid skeleton covered in a sort of rubber material to give a true protective layer and to add more weight to the shield. Rubber unfortunately is not a sustainable resource. So instead of using rubber, we will be using what PTM Gasket and Sealing Solutions recommends, vinyl. “Vinyl is a popular and environmentally responsible alternative to rubber. You might be more familiar with this material by turning on your record player rather than wearing it on your hands, but in truth, it is used for both of these purposes, and more. Vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is made by combining ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl is not only an effective and green alternative to rubber, but it is also inexpensive. The synthetic process uses simple chemicals and can be cooked up in the lab cheaply. Vinyl can also be recycled making it more environmentally responsible. But is it any good? The answer is yes. Vinyl can be used for records, siding, flooring, and as an alternative to rubber gloves.” PTM with this information, vinyls are a great option for surrounding our metal fencing. Now for the interior. I began trying to find an environmentally friendly option for some type of insulation-like material. I landed on 2 options, Hemp Insulation, and natural course wool. Because hemp is cheaper and it better for the environment because it’s 100% biodegradable and is plant-produced. I decided to go with Hempwool. Hempitecture describes their product as “Hemp fiber batt insulation for wood and metal framing systems. The friction-fit design ensures the insulation will not slump or sag in the cavity. VOC free, nontoxic, & treated with natural fire retardant.” Because of this, I believe that this will be a great choice of material, finally. The last thing we need is a tarp to keep the shield waterproof and stop the hemp from rotting. Originally, I thought that I would have to find an alternative to canvas tarp, however, on the contrary, canvas tarps are an environmentally friendly option. “From their biodegradability and reusability to non-toxic properties and energy-efficient production, canvas tarps are more than just a practical item; they are a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world.” is how the Canvas Tarp company describes their product. Although they are not guaranteed to be waterproof, by double layering the shield in this product we are able to minimize rain damage. By using all 4 of these products, metal lacing, vinyl insulation, hemp insulation, and canvas tarp outside, we can make a sustainable and protective layer for our solar panels.
4 Effective Material Substitutes for Rubber - Munsch & Co/PTM. 1 May 2021, epdm.co.uk/news/4-effective-material-substitutes-for-rubber/#:~:text=Vinyl%20is%20not%20only%20an.
“Hempwool.” Hempitecture, www.hempitecture.com/hempwool/. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.
“The Environmental Benefits of Using Canvas Tarps.” Www.linkedin.com, www.linkedin.com/pulse/environmental-benefits-using-canvas-tarps-tarp-supply-inc-polbc/. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.