Product-Service System applied to Distributed Renewable Energy. A classification system, 15 archetypal models and a strategic design tool

Abstract

Access to modern energy services represents a great challenge for about 1.4 billion people living in low-income and developing countries. In this paper we discuss the combination of Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) with Product-Service Systems (PSS), a particular type of value proposition that shifts the business focus from selling products to delivering performances. The application of PSS models to DRE is considered a promising approach to deliver sustainable energy solutions in low-income and developing countries. This research aims at filling the knowledge gap regarding the combination of these two models and in particular at proposing a new classification system for PSSs applied to DRE. In this paper we present the development of a comprehensive classification able to encompass all the most important dimensions characterising PSS applied to DRE and we identify 15 archetypal models of PSS applied to DRE. This new classification system and the related archetypal models have been tested and evaluated with companies and experts from Botswana and South Africa, showing their potential to support innovation in this field.