Generating Local Business and Global Impact

Abstract

This paper explores the emerging market of solar tiles with a focus on a possible development of a startup called “Gautschi Solar” and an accompanying supply chain from Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area to Switzerland. Solar tiles, or solar roof tiles, are photovoltaic cells in a design to look like conventional roof tiles while also producing electricity. They are an alternative to solar panels and combine both the traditional look of regular roof tiles and a functional roof. The thesis analyses Shenzhen as a possible manufacturing hub for solar technologies, often being referred to as China’s Silicon Valley, and Switzerland as a potential market for the solar tiles, which sets itself ambitious sustainability goals, especially in the solar energy space.