However, not all innovations are the same and do not have a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution follows an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical life cycle: from initial emergence to accelerated growth before stabilization and maturity.
Determining the location of innovation along this pathway, especially at the startup and acceleration stages, is critical to understanding the current level of innovation adoption, as well as its future direction and impact.
More than 40 innovations will shape the energy sector.
According to GlobalData Technology Foresights, which built an S-curve for the energy sector based on more than 70,000 patents, there are more than 40 areas of innovation that will determine the sector's future.
Solar charging stations, wind turbine performance monitoring, and renewable energy storage are still in their infancy and must be closely monitored. The application of integrated solar panels, solar thermal collectors, and geothermal collectors are some of the innovations that are increasing . New areas of innovation include wave energy converters and protective films for solar cells, which are now well established in the industry.
S curve innovation for environmental protection in the energy sector
Integrated solar panels represent a key area of innovation in environmental sustainability.
Foldable solar panels are an innovative design that converts solar energy into electricity using a charge controller. The foldable solar panels are connected to a backup battery that can store the electricity generated. With the advantages of low cost, compact size, light weight and change in shape, integrated solar panels have great potential as a power source for mobile and portable electronic devices, as well as integrated solar photovoltaic systems in buildings and vehicles.
GlobalData's analysis identifies companies at the forefront of each area of innovation and assesses the reach and impact of their proprietary activities across applications and regions. According to Globaldata, more than 80 companies are developing and deploying complex solar panels: from technology providers, well-known energy companies to new startups.
Complex solar panel protagonists: new innovations in the energy sector
“Diversity of applications” measures the number of applications identified for each patent. He generally divides companies into “niches” or “special innovations.”
"Geographic coverage" means the number of countries in which each patent is registered. This reflects the intended geographic range of application from "global" to "local".
Volume of patents related to solar panels
Source: GlobalData Patent Analysis
Shadecraft is a leading patent holder in the field of solar panels. ShadeCraft is a technology and robotics company developing smart sunshades/umbrellas that track the sun and absorb solar energy to create shade. ShadeCraft launched its first sunflower product at CES 2017, integrating artificial intelligence and connecting consumers to the Internet of Things. Other prominent patent applicants in the field of campus solar panels include Beijing Apollo Ding Rong Solar Technology, Moixa Energy, LG, Renovagen, Sumitomo Electric Industries and Bishop Ascendant.
In terms of application diversity, Thayer Mahan leads the way, with Shadecraft and Bishop Ascendant coming in second and third, respectively. In terms of geographic coverage, Moixa Energy holds the leading position, followed by Renovagen and Sumitomo Electric Industries.
To learn more about the key themes and technologies transforming the energy sector, check out GlobalData's latest Thematic Research Report on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) in the Energy Sector.
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GlobalData, a leading industry analysis provider, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to create this article.
GlobalData's patent analysis tracks patent applications and grants from legal offices around the world. Textual analysis and formal patent classification are used to assign patents to key topics and link them to specific companies in the world's largest industries.
