Space Apps Challenge 2017

Fossil fuels are finite and climate change problems are getting more important nowdays. That’s why there is a global trend to use renewable sources of energy. Solar power is a good alternative since sun is everywhere and it’s possible to build your own solar energy station in your backyard! Although it is simple thing to do, the main obstacle is the lack of knowledge about station design, power output from the sun and the affecting factors, and here comes our role. We have developed a game based on real statistical data to overcome this information gap and make people aware of solar energy. You will learn the benefits of solar electricity production and what energy consumption habits are best in an interactive and engaging way. User will know how environment affects solar energy and how to manage the resources by series of challenges and quests.

The main target audience of our game are people in their 20’s as the most active segment of society and children and teenagers to spread the knowledge and habits among them.

The game will be interesting because it is:

1. Explorable: in each level you will be introduced with new control parameters that affect the solar panel system. No unique solution, you are free to find your own optimal solution for your home;
2. Challenging: the game will introduce quests, online competitions, awards and prizes;
3. Scientific: user will know the effect of various parameters on solar energy production, such as: day and night cycle, season of the year, humidity and sun position based on current time and actual data of the geographic location;
4. Social: online chat allows users to ask others for help. The user will be provided with information and advices about the game and real-life issues;
5. Realistic: people will know their short- and long-term consequences of their choices. Same principles can be applied in real life in managing power consumption based on the solar power cycle and panels maintenance scheduling;
6. Economical: a variety of products in Market will give the user freedom to design his own house and power plant. Moreover, users can trade equipments among each other through online Market.

The rational usage of resources is the way to better future of our planet and society. Concentrating on alternative energy production S-Volt follows the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 7 (http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/) and going to transform our world.