About

NK engineering design and consulting P.C. was founded to provide engineering services of the highest level to companies in the greater EU and MENA areas. The main concept is to provide problem-solving services, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and out-of-the-box solutions. To achieve this mission, the company is developing a cluster of engineers that come together on a project basis and provide solutions in the most efficient ways. Whether it is a complex production method needing to become more efficient, or a bespoke facade of the highest construction standards. We can provide a range of solutions, from consulting to complete design, prototyping, and testing of the solution proposed. Another strong point of our services is the ability to develop, design, and test products from zero on customer request. We provide outsourced Research and Development with the most flexible team of experts. As a demonstration of our capabilities, we designed the first product of our range and showcased it in a number of companies in the EU, attracting initial interest for further cooperation.

Solution & Product

The solar energy production industry is facing a great boost in demand, as a result of the greater energy shortage caused by political turmoil in Ukraine. The new product is offering a sustainable and innovative solution for mounting photovoltaic panels on flat roofs of residential and commercial buildings. The designed system is from light and rigid materials based on aluminum extruded profiles. The new product allows for the utilization of flat roofs that would otherwise not be utilized for the installation of photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, the installation in urban areas is easy and fast without the need for specialized equipment reducing the cost per installed kWp.

Innovation & Scalability

The product is awarded a patent from the Greek intellectual property organization and a request is submitted for evaluation in the European patent office also. The innovative design is essential to allow the system to penetrate a growing market with great potential. Once in the market, the product will be fit for installation in most European countries following a series of tests in individual certification bodies. The market in western Europe is mature as flat roof photovoltaic generators are installed at a very fast pace. Usually, the installation of photovoltaic panels on roofs is coupled with the installation of EV chargers assisting the mobility electrification targets along with ESG compliance scoring. The market demand/product acceptance will allow for industrial-level production of the system in a specialized facility. Raw material (extruded aluminum profiles) will be supplied in local factories as Greece is a major producer of similar products. Sales in western Europe will be assisted by the cooperation with a company in the Netherlands, strategically positioned among the BENELUX and DACH areas.

Traction & achievements

By the end of 2022, the testing round for the system performance will be completed. Based on the finite element analysis method the system performance is already proved to be according to Eurocode specifications for areas with show load and wind load typical for Central Europe and south Europe coastal regions respectively. The system performance will be also evaluated by an independent certification body. In the previous months, 3D print samples of the system parts have been produced and tested for their ability to properly mount photovoltaic panels. The assembly steps and mounting instructions were also evaluated. The result of the computational system evaluation will allow the product to go into preliminary production. Extrusion dies and samples will be ordered and the initial parts will be evaluated for their quality and reproducibility.

Team & Why Us

The growth of the solar panel mounting system function of NK Design, is following the safe pattern for expansion. The product is in competition with major installers/suppliers of systems in the EU so the realization of a very aggressive sales policy with representation in multiple countries is not favorable for a startup of this size. The strategy of choice is to form an alliance with a major player in West Europe and retain the production facilities in Greece. This way it will be possible to control production parameters to the highest possible standards while keeping costs at a competitive level. Large sales volumes are expected to be directed to mature European countries such as Netherlands, Germany and Austria. Smaller volumes are expected to sell in the Greek market following sales agreements and demonstrations to major installers. Direct sales to projects will be retained to high-volume installations (i.e. industrial roofs, logistics e.t.c.) where bespoke project evaluation will be needed. Specialized software that will calculate the installation parameters and bill of materials will be developed in coordination with the customers/installers/traders to simplify the ordering process. Alternatively, the system will be included in existing software packages that estimate the required materials for a project. Usually, these software platforms operate on a commission fee based on orders gained through the platform, hence minimizing the CAPEX needed as a start capital.

Funding Needs

Two funding rounds are planned: one round is necessary to complete the development and certification of the proposed photovoltaic panel mounting system on flat roofs. Estimated needs up to the go-to-market stage are 100.000 euros. In the second phase, a production facility for the industrial-scale production of the mounting system is planned. The project will be eligible for grants through Development law 4887/2022. The total expected capital needed for building, equipment, and working capital is estimated at 1.000.000 euros, subject to the submission of a proper business plan.