- I see an opportunity arising in the near future with jobs in renewable resources. The unmet need would be cheap renewable resources. The people with this need would be people who want to leave a cleaner Earth for their children. Such as installing solar panels here in Florida. Solar panels have been around for awhile but as technology continues to get better the price of the solar panels will decrease thus opening up the market to middle class Americans. To take advantage of this opportunity trade schools can be opened up that focus in on installing and maintaining solar panels. I would say that this is a 100% it is just a matter of time until this comes along eventually we will run out of non renewable resources.
- The prototypical customer would be middle class Americans
Q: Do you have any solar panels at your house?
A: No
Q: Why do you not have any solar panels?
A: The price for them is too expensive at the moment. The return on the investment does not pay off until at least 5 years after being installed.
Q: If the solar panels were cheaper would you get them installed?
A: Yes if they were a practical price I would get them installed.
Q: Do you see in the future a need for solar panels?
A: Yes in the future but most likely after my time.
Reflection: After this interview I learned that solar panels aren't on the top priority of everyday Americans. People do not want to get them until they have extra money. It wasn't very surprising to me I know the reason why most people use gas is because it is so much cheaper than solar energy.
Q: Do you think our school should have solar panels installed?
A: Yes I think that would be a great idea to help the environment.
Q: Do you know how much they cost compared to using nonrenewable resources?
A: No I do not but we should still use them because they will help save the environment
Q: Do you know anyone that has solar panels installed at there house?
A: Yes my friends parents have some installed on their house.
Q: Do you know that solar panels are becoming cheaper as each year passes?
A: No I did not know that but that is cool so more people can afford them.
Q: Do you think every building in Florida should have solar panels on them?
A: Yes that would be great so we could help save the planet.
Reflection: The college student did not know much when it came to solar panels other than that they help save the planet and are non renewable resources. I wasn't very surprised I feel like most college students think we should all go green but really have no idea how much it actually cost to do so.
Q: Has business increased in the past few years?
A: Yes business has taken off I would say in the past 2 or 3 years. More people are getting them installed on houses because there are financing options now.
Q: Do you believe your business will continue to grow as time goes on?
A: Yes I would not be in the business if I did not think it would grow.
Q: How long do you think it will be before most middle class Americans have solar panels on their houses?
A: I would say if I had to guess in the next 20 years.
Q: Do you believe that the social view of solar panels has changed over the years?
A: Yes there has been a drastic change I would say in the last 10 years of the public view when it comes to getting solar panels installed.
Reflection: It was nice to talk to someone that knew about the solar panel industry. I was surprised on how much the installer knew and was able to share with me.
- Summary: After my original opportunity I would say that 60% of my original opportunity was correct. I know people want to use solar panels the problem is that there is not a strong need for them because of the price and the access to other sources to provide energy that is cheaper. My new opportunity will be more accurate because I adjusted the time frame for when the solar powers will be demanded. I think entrepreneurs should adjust to the feedback they receive from customers at least 70% as they say its not what you like its the consumer.
