Challenges

CLOSED ON: 19 FEB 2019  |  REWARD: INR 5,00,000
Reward money is paid in exchange of legally acquiring the solution, implementing it to solve the problem and meeting the success criteria. Milestones for paying the reward money would depend upon the complexity of challenge and maturity of the proposed solution, which would be discussed with the solver as soon as the proposed solution is selected by us.
Closed

Short Description:

Solar based solutions are sought as an alternative to tar felting for waterproofing rooftops.

Challenge Details

For waterproofing, the existing rooftops (inclined and flat) are treated for seepage with a layer of bituminous tar felting once in every five years. It is done by applying hot bitumen over roof top. The cost of tar felting for 1 roof is around Rs 290/- per Sq-m. The size range of the rooftops are 75'x40' feet. Tar felting is carried out for all rooftops. This recurring maintenance activity incurs the company, a huge expenditure every year. The main issue, however, with tar felting is the negative impact on environment, does not last long, and it is ineffective.

We are exploring flexible solar panels as an alternate to water proofing the rooftops. The solar panels is expected to protect the rooftops from water seepage, in addition to their primary purpose of power generation. The solar panel should  be flexible and should have an adhesive layer, so that it can be easily stuck on the tile over RCC roof, the base material of the existing rooftops. The solar panels thus, reduce or eliminate the dependency on the traditional roof tar felting method.

The solution MUST fulfil the following requirements:

• Solar panels should bond with the roof surface (cement/concrete layer). The rooftops are 75' ft. x 40' ft. in size

• Solar panels should be water repellent and prevent water ingress

• Ease of installation on irregular surfaces and eliminate water seepage

• Low cost maintenance and repair

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