Title: Developing innovative e-mobility solutions - photovoltaic carports as product service systems

Authors: Lucas Hüer; Oliver Thomas; Hans-Jürgen Pfisterer

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Applied Sciences Osnabrueck, Albrechtstr. 30, 49076, Osnabrueck, Germany ' Chair of Information Management and Information Systems, University of Osnabrueck, Parkstraße 40, 49074, Osnabrueck, Germany ' Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Applied Sciences Osnabrueck, Albrechtstr. 30, 49076, Osnabrueck, Germany

Abstract: Providing consumers with photovoltaic carports can be a promising and feasible way of combining private charging stations with decentralised renewable energy sources, thereby promoting electric mobility. However, the high level of technology and the connectivity of all parts of the system require a range of accessible services. Therefore, the production and sale of photovoltaic carports as product service systems is considered a promising business model. To support companies that plan to offer photovoltaic carports and additional services as holistic systems, this article analyses the whole lifecycle of such a product service system by combining research results from existing scientific literature with recent market trends that were obtained through a secondary desk research. The results serve as a foundation for creating new business models when producing and selling photovoltaic carports.

Keywords: product service system; PSS lifecycle management; photovoltaic carport; electric mobility; charging infrastructure; energy creation; energy storage; carport design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLM.2020.112770

International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management, 2020 Vol.12 No.4, pp.269 - 285

Received: 13 Dec 2019
Accepted: 23 Jun 2020
Published online: 02 Feb 2021 *

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