ADA Solar: Collaborative Solar Energy Investment Platform on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Jose Iadicicco

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create ADA Solar, a Cardano-based platform enabling easy, collective investment in solar energy projects, reducing individual financial burdens.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The ADA Solar project will be partially open source. The core smart contracts that manage investments and ownership records on the Cardano blockchain will be fully open source. This ensures transparency and allows community scrutiny and contributions, enhancing the security and reliability of the investment process.

Open Source Details:

• Repository: GitHub
• License: MIT License
• Open Source Components:
• Smart contracts for transaction and ownership management
• Documentation including setup and deployment guides

Proprietary elements of the project will include the user interface and certain backend services that manage the integration with solar technology providers and real-time data handling. These elements are proprietary to maintain competitive advantage and ensure a seamless user experience.

By keeping the critical blockchain components open source, we maintain transparency and trust within the Cardano community while protecting specific innovations that provide unique value to ADA Solar.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution: ADA Solar Platform

Overview

ADA Solar is a collaborative investment platform built on the Cardano blockchain, designed to make solar energy investments accessible and straightforward for everyone. By pooling resources, the platform allows individual investors to participate in solar energy projects with significantly reduced upfront costs and complexity.

Technical Components

1. Smart Contracts: Utilize Cardano smart contracts to handle transactions, investments, and the distribution of returns securely and transparently. These contracts will be open source, hosted on GitHub under the MIT License.
2. User Interface (UI): A proprietary, intuitive UI that enables users to easily manage their investments, view their share of energy production, and track the performance of their investments. The UI will provide real-time data visualization of the solar park's output and financial returns.
3. Integration with Solar Providers: Partner with reputable solar technology providers to ensure the efficient setup and maintenance of solar parks. The platform will integrate with these providers for real-time monitoring and management of the solar installations.

Functionality

• Investment Pooling: Users can invest any amount they choose, which is pooled with other investments to fund large-scale solar energy projects.
• Tokenization: Investments are tokenized, representing a share in the solar park, with returns distributed according to the number of tokens held.
• Energy Tracking and Dividends: The platform tracks the energy produced by the solar parks and distributes dividends to investors based on the energy sold to the grid.

Deployment Plan

• Phase 1: Development and testing of smart contracts on Cardano’s testnet.
• Phase 2: Launch of the user interface and integration with solar providers on a pilot project.
• Phase 3: Full deployment on the Cardano mainnet after successful testing and adjustments.

Benefits

• For Investors: Offers a low-barrier entry to solar investments, diversified risk, and passive income from green energy.
• For the Environment: Promotes renewable energy adoption, contributing to environmental sustainability.
• For the Cardano Ecosystem: Demonstrates the practical utility of Cardano in real-world applications, potentially increasing ADA's adoption and visibility.

By presenting a clear, detailed, and structured solution, stakeholders and voters can easily understand how ADA Solar leverages the Cardano blockchain to transform solar energy investments, making it a viable and attractive option for a wide range of investors.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

Value to the Community

The ADA Solar project will harness the power of the Cardano blockchain to democratize access to solar energy investments, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. By introducing a decentralized platform for collaborative solar investments, ADA Solar will:

1. Demonstrate Practical Use: Showcasing a real-world application of Cardano smart contracts in the renewable energy sector, enhancing the blockchain's visibility and credibility.
2. Increase Adoption: Attract new users to Cardano, including those interested in green investments and renewable energy, expanding the ecosystem's user base.
3. Strengthen Community Engagement: Engage the Cardano community in sustainable projects, fostering a sense of participation and impact among ADA holders.

Measuring Impact

To evaluate the success and impact of ADA Solar, we will use both quantitative and qualitative measures:

• Quantitative Measures:
• Number of Investors: Track the total number of investors using the platform, aiming for steady growth month-over-month.
• Total Investment in ADA: Measure the total amount of ADA invested through the platform, reflecting the economic activity generated.
• Energy Produced: Record the amount of solar energy generated by projects funded through ADA Solar, demonstrating environmental impact.
• Qualitative Measures:
• User Testimonials: Gather feedback from users about their experience and the perceived benefits of investing in solar energy via ADA Solar.
• Community Engagement: Assess community participation in forums, social media, and other channels to gauge enthusiasm and support for the project.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

• Open Source Components: The smart contracts and any developed tools for ADA Solar will be available on GitHub under the MIT License, allowing other developers to learn from, use, or contribute to our project.
• Regular Updates: Provide regular updates through blog posts, community calls, and newsletters to keep the community informed about progress, challenges, and successes.
• Educational Content: Develop and share educational materials on the benefits of blockchain technology in renewable energy, aiming to raise awareness and foster more blockchain-based initiatives.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with other Cardano-based projects and entities to cross-promote and potentially integrate different services, creating a more cohesive ecosystem.

By implementing these strategies, ADA Solar aims to create significant value for the Cardano community, promoting both the adoption of Cardano and the transition towards more sustainable energy solutions.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Team Expertise: Our team comprises individuals with deep expertise in blockchain technology, renewable energy, software development, and project management. This multidisciplinary team is uniquely qualified to execute this project:

1. Jose Iadicicco - Co-founder of ADA Solar and Stake Pool Operator for ADA ONE Pool. Jose brings over 20 years of experience in energy, technology, and telecommunications. His prior work includes solar power projects and organizing significant events like the Cardano Summit and Hackathon in Buenos Aires.
2. Kehua Yang - Co-founder and Community Manager for ADA ONE Pool. With a Master in Education and extensive experience in international business, Kehua has coordinated large-scale projects, including those in renewable energy sectors.
3. Javier Quiroga - Information Systems Engineer and Software Architect, Co-founder of Scanair Services. Javier specializes in UAV technology and will contribute his software development skills to the platform design.
4. Leandro H. Walker - A seasoned programmer and software designer, Leandro will focus on developing the platform and the user dashboard.
5. Emerson Wu - Software development engineer experienced in agile methodologies. Emerson will also work on the platform and dashboard development, bringing his expertise in software engineering and environmental activism.
6. Leonardo Adrián Zini - With over two decades of experience in Health, Safety, Hygiene, and Environmental consulting, Leonardo will help coordinate project aspects related to environmental management and safety.
7. Patricio Hernan Vera - MBA holder and co-founder of Externum Ingenieria S.R.L., Patricio has a background in mechanical engineering and business management, with a focus on power generation. He brings a strategic viewpoint to tackling climate change through solar energy solutions.
8. Gabriel Conejero - Mechanical Engineer with over ten years of experience in engineering, sales, and services, specializing in Solar Power Generation.

Previous Successes: Several team members have successfully designed and executed projects in both the blockchain and renewable energy sectors. Notable achievements include the deployment of a solar power project for telecommunications in San Juan and the development and operation of ADA ONE Pool.

Community Engagement: Our active participation and leadership in the Cardano community, including organizing Cardano Summits and Hackathons, underscore our commitment and ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.

Validating Feasibility

Prototyping and Testing: The feasibility of ADA Solar will be validated through a series of stages:

1. Prototype Development: Build an initial version of the smart contracts and platform to demonstrate basic functionality.
2. Testnet Deployment: Roll out the prototype on the Cardano testnet, allowing us to test functionality and gather feedback in a controlled environment.
3. Pilot Project: Implement a small-scale solar project as a pilot to practically demonstrate the concept and refine our approach based on real-world data.

Feedback Loops: Incorporate feedback from both the Cardano community and technical experts

to iterate and improve the project. Regular community updates and participation in forums will facilitate this feedback.

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management:

Transparent Budgeting: Detailed, transparent budget plans will be made available to the community, outlining how every portion of the funds will be allocated and spent.

Regular Reporting: Implement a strict reporting regime that includes quarterly financial reports, progress updates, and audits if necessary. These will be shared with our backers and the wider Cardano community to maintain transparency.

Escrow and Milestone Payments: Funds will be managed through an escrow system, with releases tied to specific milestones and deliverables. This approach ensures that funds are used appropriately and that progress is made before additional funds are disbursed.

Open Source and Community Review: Key project components will be open source, allowing for community verification and review, further enhancing trust and accountability.

By leveraging our team’s expertise, past project successes, and a rigorous approach to testing and community feedback, ADA Solar is positioned to deliver a high-impact project with a high degree of trust and accountability.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Project Kickoff and Design Phase:

• Objective: Establish the project's foundation and complete the initial design.
• Tasks:

1. Assemble the project team and finalize roles.
2. Design the ADA Solar platform's core architecture and smart contracts.
3. Set up project management and tracking systems.

• Deliverables: Project charter, detailed design documents for the platform and smart contracts.
• Timeline: 1-2 months.

Development and Testnet Deployment:

• Objective: Develop the platform and deploy it on the Cardano testnet.
• Tasks:

1. Develop the smart contracts and integrate them with the testnet.
2. Build the initial version of the user interface.
3. Conduct initial testing with a closed group of users on the testnet.

• Deliverables: Deployed smart contracts on testnet, initial UI, user test report.
• Timeline: 3-4 months.

Pilot Project Implementation and Initial Feedback:

• Objective: Implement a pilot solar project and integrate it with the ADA Solar platform.
• Tasks:

1. Establish a small-scale solar park.
2. Integrate real-time monitoring and transaction systems.
3. Gather initial feedback from pilot users and make necessary adjustments.

• Deliverables: Operational pilot solar park, integration report, initial user feedback.
• Timeline: 5-7 months.

Platform Refinement and Marketing Preparation:

• Objective: Refine the platform based on pilot feedback and prepare for public launch.
• Tasks:

1. Analyze pilot data and refine the platform and smart contracts.
2. Enhance user interface based on feedback.
3. Develop marketing and outreach strategy to promote the platform.

• Deliverables: Refined platform, updated smart contracts, marketing strategy.
• Timeline: 8-9 months.

Full Platform Launch:

• Objective: Launch the full version of the ADA Solar platform on the Cardano mainnet.
• Tasks:

1. Deploy the final version of the platform and smart contracts on the mainnet.
2. Execute the marketing strategy to attract users and investors.
3. Monitor the platform's performance and make immediate necessary tweaks.

• Deliverables: Fully operational platform on mainnet, marketing campaign execution report, performance monitoring report.
• Timeline: 10-12 months.

Project Close-Out and Impact Assessment:

• Objective: Complete the project and evaluate its impact.
• Tasks:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of the project.
2. Prepare an impact assessment based on established metrics.
3. Produce a close-out report and a summary video highlighting key achievements and insights.

• Deliverables: Project close-out report, impact assessment, summary video.
• Timeline: 12 months.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

ADA Solar Project Team:

Jose Iadicicco

• Role: Co-founder of ADA Solar, Lead on Platform Design and Development
• Responsibilities: Oversees the development of the platform and smart contracts, ensuring integration with the Cardano blockchain.
• LinkedIn: Jose Iadicicco

Kehua Yang

• Role: Co-founder of ADA Solar, Project Coordinator
• Responsibilities: Manages project schedules, coordinates team activities, and liaises with external stakeholders.
• LinkedIn: Kehua Yang

Javier Quiroga

• Role: Software Architect
• Responsibilities: Responsible for the architectural design and integration of software components.
• LinkedIn: Javier Quiroga

Leandro H. Walker

• Role: Lead Programmer
• Responsibilities: Develops the user interface and assists in the integration of backend systems.
• LinkedIn: Leandro H. Walker

Emerson Wu

• Role: Software Development Engineer
• Responsibilities: Focuses on the development of the dashboard and contributes to overall platform functionality.
• LinkedIn: Emerson Wu

Leonardo Adrián Zini

• Role: Environmental Consultant
• Responsibilities: Provides guidance on environmental compliance and sustainability practices within the project.
• LinkedIn: Leonardo Adrián Zini

Patricio Hernan Vera

• Role: Engineering Consultant
• Responsibilities: Advises on engineering and technical aspects related to solar power generation.
• LinkedIn: Patricio Hernan Vera

Gabriel Conejero

• Role: Mechanical Engineer
• Responsibilities: Specializes in the mechanical aspects of solar power installations.
• LinkedIn: Gabriel Conejero

Recruitment Strategy:

Additional Team Members:

• Solar Power Technicians: To oversee the installation and maintenance of solar panels in the pilot project.
• Marketing Specialist: To develop and implement the marketing strategy for the platform's launch.
• Customer Support Staff: To assist with user inquiries and support after the platform goes live.

Skills Sought:

• Expertise in renewable energy and solar technology.
• Experience in digital marketing and community engagement.
• Strong customer service skills with a technical background to assist users.

Engagement and Communications

All team members have been engaged and are committed to the project, with clear agreements on their roles and responsibilities. Regular communication is maintained through channels like Discord and Telegram, ensuring that all team members are aligned and can quickly address any project-related issues.

Consent and Disclosure

Consent has been obtained from all individuals to include their information in this proposal. All participants have disclosed their roles and are aware of the public nature of the proposal, adhering to the requirements set by the Catalyst funding process.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1.Project Initiation and Design

• Team Salaries (Project Managers, Designers, and Analysts): ₳35,000
• Legal and Administrative Fees: ₳11,700
• For initial legal consultations for compliance and project structuring.
• Technical Design Tools and Software Licenses: ₳5,850

2. Development and Testnet Deployment

• Development Team Salaries (Developers, Blockchain Specialists): ₳58,500
• Testnet Resources: ₳5,850
• Cost for deploying and testing the platform on Cardano testnet.
• Code Auditing Services: ₳17,550
• External auditing of smart contracts and platform security.

3. Pilot Project Implementation and Initial Feedback

• Solar Equipment and Installation: ₳46,800
• Cost of solar panels, inverters, and other infrastructure for the pilot site.
• Monitoring and Data Analytics Tools: ₳11,700
• Third-party services for real-time monitoring and performance analysis of the pilot project.

4. Platform Refinement and Marketing Preparation

• Additional Development and Refinement: ₳23,400
• Marketing and Outreach: ₳17,550
• Includes promotional materials, digital marketing campaigns, and community engagement events.

5. Full Platform Launch

• Launch Event: ₳11,700
• Organizing a launch event to promote the platform and attract initial users.
• Operational and Maintenance Costs for the First Year: ₳23,400
• Ongoing operational costs including server hosting, maintenance, and customer support.

6. Project Management and Oversight

• Project Management Tools: ₳5,850
• Software for project tracking, budgeting, and collaboration.
• Continuous Legal and Compliance Monitoring: ₳11,700
• Regular legal consultations to ensure ongoing compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Total Estimated Budget: ₳269,550 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Value for Money for the Cardano Ecosystem:

• Enhancing Cardano’s Utility and Adoption: By funding ADA Solar, the Cardano ecosystem invests in a project that not only promotes renewable energy but also showcases the practical utility of Cardano’s blockchain technology in a high-impact sector. This helps in enhancing the reputation and adoption of Cardano globally.

• Long-term Returns: The investment in ADA Solar is expected to yield long-term returns not just financially but also in terms of environmental impact and community building. The project aims to provide a sustainable model for energy investment that can be replicated and scaled, thereby continuously adding value to the Cardano ecosystem.

• Community Growth and Engagement: The project actively involves the Cardano community through feedback, testing, and participation, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement. This engagement helps in building a robust user base and promoting loyalty among ADA holders.

• Transparency and Accountability: The project's commitment to transparency, with regular updates and clear budgeting, ensures that the funds are used responsibly, providing peace of mind to investors and stakeholders in the Cardano ecosystem.

In summary, the ADA Solar project represents excellent value for money by strategically utilizing the funds to deliver a high-quality, impactful project that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the Cardano community. The costs are carefully justified and aligned with industry standards, ensuring that every ADA spent contributes directly to the project’s success and the broader goals of the Cardano ecosystem.