Alexei Grigoriev: Developing a Real Solar Photovoltaic Generator

SolarAce is developing a real solar photovoltaic generator. There are a lot of ” solar generators” that actually are only rechargeable back up batteries. SolarAce is working with real generator using PV system as only energy source.

Tell us about yourself?

I am electro-mechanical engineer with more than 20 years experience in industry. There are some pushing me factors. I am worry about future of my children and planet condition

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Continue to develop ASPS. Each new prototype and each new test will open to you the new ages of the system

What problem does your business solve?

SolarAce is resolving one big problem of modern photovoltaic: requirement of the wide territory for PV system mounting( footprint),- and number of small problems like energy loss due to heat, air pollution, simplifying of serviceability

What is the inspiration behind your business?

Off-grid areas are the best place for the solar energy PV systems application.

But, this mission is almost impossible because of hard access( no roads, panels with size of 1.6 sq meter and weight close to 20 kg each are hard to transport,) hard to service( panels cleaning require water that could be rare in this areas). additional problem is a high price of the PV systems and it’s assembling for inhabitants of remote territories.

Another segment of ASPS generator application is could be EV transport( from micro to compact)

What is your magic sauce?

Low system footprint – high energy output from the system. Output from the ASPS could be up to three times higher than output from the PV system with the same footprint, not only in the value, but in pick-hours too.

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

First step- to receive commercial generator of ASPS with power output up to 1 kW with footprint around 0.5-1 sq.m. Until now biggest prototype that I have can work with output of 60-100 W with footprint around 0.1 sq m.

After 5 years I can predict a portable “generator-battery” PV system as main energy source for compact size car.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Funding, team, useful contacts. Now I am performing all actions alone. It’s good on the early stage of invention but nobody can be the best in each role.

Money, to my mind is energy of the any industrial process including next revolution in clean energy segment. And contacts can help to find the way to the commercial generator with minimal resistance.

How do people get involved/buy into your vision?

It depends from the requirements of the people and stage when thy will point to me. Now it’s hard to predict exactly the form of the cooperation but I am open to work with and for the people.