Avishkar Shinde
UX Designer
SolarHive
SolarHive
Helping Users Connect To Local Solar Farms.
Helping Users Connect To Local Solar Farms.
7 min read
7 min read
Timeline
Timeline
September 2023 - October 2023
September 2023 - October 2023
Team
Team
2 UX Researcher, 1 UI Designer
2 UX Researcher, 1 UI Designer
My Role
My Role
Visual Design, UX Research, Prototyping, Usability Testing
Visual Design, UX Research, Prototyping, Usability Testing
Tools
Tools
Figma, FigJam, After Effects, Illustrator, Notion
Figma, FigJam, After Effects, Illustrator, Notion
Overview
Overview
Community Solar is a concept where instead of installing rooftop solar panels, users subscribe to nearby solar farm that feeds into their local grid. In return, they earn credits that lower their monthly utility bills.
SolarHive is a mobile app that simplifies this process. It helps users discover available solar farms nearby, compare plans, connect their utility accounts, redeem credits against their bill and track savings, and all of this in one place. We designed it for renters and homeowners who want clean energy but face barriers like cost, space, or confusion.
Community Solar is a concept where instead of installing rooftop solar panels, users subscribe to nearby solar farm that feeds into their local grid. In return, they earn credits that lower their monthly utility bills.
SolarHive is a mobile app that simplifies this process. It helps users discover available solar farms nearby, compare plans, connect their utility accounts, redeem credits against their bill and track savings, and all of this in one place. We designed it for renters and homeowners who want clean energy but face barriers like cost, space, or confusion.
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Solar Energy is great, but it’s out of reach for many people
Solar Energy is great, but it’s out of reach for many people
Solar energy is expensive, complicated, and still out of reach for many. Most people can’t install rooftop panels because of high upfront costs, roof issues, or they are renting.
As part of the IU Grand Challenge on environmental change, we saw an opportunity here: make solar energy accessible without needing to install anything.
Right now, there’s low awareness about community solar. Even though it lets people subscribe to local solar farms and earn credits on their bill. The process is confusing and scattered, and not designed with the everyday user in mind.
Solar energy is expensive, complicated, and still out of reach for many. Most people can’t install rooftop panels because of high upfront costs, roof issues, or they are renting.
As part of the IU Grand Challenge on environmental change, we saw an opportunity here: make solar energy accessible without needing to install anything.
Right now, there’s low awareness about community solar. Even though it lets people subscribe to local solar farms and earn credits on their bill. The process is confusing and scattered, and not designed with the everyday user in mind.
initial problem discovery
initial problem discovery
Indiana’s Reliance on Fossil Fuels
Indiana’s Reliance on Fossil Fuels
For the IU Grand Challenge, we started with a broad goal: to help people combat climate change in their daily lives. As we explored different areas like water conservation and waste management, we chose to focus on renewable energy, specifically solar energy. Why?
Despite growing interest among residents in Indiana, solar energy only makes up about 3% of the state’s electricity generation (EIA, 2024).
For the IU Grand Challenge, we started with a broad goal: to help people combat climate change in their daily lives. As we explored different areas like water conservation and waste management, we chose to focus on renewable energy, specifically solar energy. Why?
Despite growing interest among residents in Indiana, solar energy only makes up about 3% of the state’s electricity generation (EIA, 2024).
Sources of electricity generation in Indiana (GWh, 2024)
Sources of electricity generation in Indiana (GWh, 2024)
desk research
desk research
Why this matters
Why this matters
Now lets step back to ask: Why do so many people still struggle to adopt solar energy?
Our initial desk research helped us identify 2 key reasons why most people might struggle to switch to Solar, even if they want to. And we also found 1 key reason to why making that switch soon is of absolute importance.
Now lets step back to ask: Why do so many people still struggle to adopt solar energy?
Our initial desk research helped us identify 2 key reasons why most people might struggle to switch to Solar, even if they want to. And we also found 1 key reason to why making that switch soon is of absolute importance.
50%
of U.S. homes can’t install rooftop solar due to cost, roof issues, or rental status.
Source:
National Renewable Energy Lab
People can’t install solar.
73%
of Americans agree solar is a smart investment, but lack of knowledge stops them from taking action.
Source:
FranklinWH Energy Surve
It’s too confusing.
75%
of global emissions still come from fossil fuels. Rising sea levels could affect 200M+ people by 2100.
Source:
UN, Statista
The climate can’t wait
50%
of U.S. homes can’t install rooftop solar due to cost, roof issues, or rental status.
Source:
National Renewable Energy Lab
People can’t install solar.
73%
of Americans agree solar is a smart investment, but lack of knowledge stops them from taking action.
Source:
FranklinWH Energy Surve
It’s too confusing.
75%
of global emissions still come from fossil fuels. Rising sea levels could affect 200M+ people by 2100.
Source:
UN, Statista
The climate can’t wait
50%
of U.S. homes can’t install rooftop solar due to cost, roof issues, or rental status.
Source:
National Renewable Energy Lab
People can’t install solar.
73%
of Americans agree solar is a smart investment, but lack of knowledge stops them from taking action.
Source:
FranklinWH Energy Surve
It’s too confusing.
75%
of global emissions still come from fossil fuels. Rising sea levels could affect 200M+ people by 2100.
Source:
UN, Statista
The climate can’t wait
50%
of U.S. homes can’t install rooftop solar due to cost, roof issues, or rental status.
Source:
National Renewable Energy Lab
People can’t install solar.
73%
of Americans agree solar is a smart investment, but lack of knowledge stops them from taking action.
Source:
FranklinWH Energy Surve
It’s too confusing.
75%
of global emissions still come from fossil fuels. Rising sea levels could affect 200M+ people by 2100.
Source:
UN, Statista
The climate can’t wait
50%
of U.S. homes can’t install rooftop solar due to cost, roof issues, or rental status.
Sources: National Renewable Energy Lab
73%
of Americans agree solar is a smart investment, but lack of knowledge stops them from taking action.
Sources: FranklinWH Energy Surve
75%
of global emissions still come from fossil fuels. Rising sea levels could affect 200M+ people by 2100.
Sources: UN, Statista
50%
of U.S. homes can’t install rooftop solar due to cost, roof issues, or rental status.
Sources: National Renewable Energy Lab
73%
of Americans agree solar is a smart investment, but lack of knowledge stops them from taking action.
Sources: FranklinWH Energy Surve
75%
of global emissions still come from fossil fuels. Rising sea levels could affect 200M+ people by 2100.
Sources: UN, Statista
50%
of U.S. homes can’t install rooftop solar due to cost, roof issues, or rental status.
Sources: National Renewable Energy Lab
73%
of Americans agree solar is a smart investment, but lack of knowledge stops them from taking action.
Sources: FranklinWH Energy Surve
75%
of global emissions still come from fossil fuels. Rising sea levels could affect 200M+ people by 2100.
Sources: UN, Statista
50%
of U.S. homes can’t install rooftop solar due to cost, roof issues, or rental status.
Sources: National Renewable Energy Lab
73%
of Americans agree solar is a smart investment, but lack of knowledge stops them from taking action.
Sources: FranklinWH Energy Surve
75%
of global emissions still come from fossil fuels. Rising sea levels could affect 200M+ people by 2100.
Sources: UN, Statista
desk research
desk research
Community Solar
Community Solar
While researching, we also came across Community Solar. It's an interesting concept where users subscribe to a nearby solar farm and earn credits on their utility bill.
This is how it works:
While researching, we also came across Community Solar. It's an interesting concept where users subscribe to a nearby solar farm and earn credits on their utility bill.
This is how it works:
1
Solar Farms Generate Clean Energy
A local solar farm produces electricity and sends it to the power grid.
A local solar farm produces electricity and sends it to the power grid.
2
You Pay for a Share of the Panels
As a subscriber, you pay to receive energy from a specific number of panels at the farm.
As a subscriber, you pay to receive energy from a specific number of panels at the farm.
3
Credits Show Up on Your Bill
You earn credits on your utility bill based on the amount of energy your share produces each month.
You earn credits on your utility bill based on the amount of energy your share produces each month.
User research
User research
Hearing directly from the people
Hearing directly from the people
On paper, Community Solar feels like a perfect solution to the problems we identified. But if it exists, why aren't more people using it?
To find out, we spoke directly with the people we were designing for.
On paper, Community Solar feels like a perfect solution to the problems we identified. But if it exists, why aren't more people using it?
To find out, we spoke directly with the people we were designing for.
We Spoke to
Individual Homeowners
Individual Homeowners
Individual Homeowners
Renters
Renters
Renters
Apartment Managers
Apartment Managers
Apartment Managers
What we wanted to learn
How do people feel about solar energy?
How do people feel about solar energy?
How do people feel about solar energy?
What barriers stop them from taking action?
What barriers stop them from taking action?
What barriers stop them from taking action?
Have they heard of community solar? Do they understand it?
Have they heard of community solar? Do they understand it?
Have they heard of community solar? Do they understand it?
User research
User research
Recurring Themes
Recurring Themes
These are the biggest patterns that came up across our 11 interviews.
These are the biggest patterns that came up across our 11 interviews.
82%
users had no idea what community solar was.
64%
users didn’t trust that solar would actually save them money.
73%
found solar messaging too technical and hard to relate to.
100%
renters felt excluded because they didn’t own the property.
72%
of homeowners and managers gave up due to cost and complexity.
82%
82%
users had no idea what community solar was.
users had no idea what community solar was.
64%
64%
users didn’t trust that solar would actually save them money.
users didn’t trust that solar would actually save them money.
73%
73%
found solar marketing too technical and hard to relate to.
found solar marketing too technical and hard to relate to.
100%
100%
renters felt excluded because they didn’t own the property.
renters felt excluded because they didn’t own the property.
72%
72%
of homeowners and managers gave up due to cost and complexity.
of homeowners and managers gave up due to cost and complexity.
User research
User research
We asked the experts
We asked the experts
We also talked with 2 energy experts from AES Indiana. They said that they have very little incentive to promote Community Solar since it reduces electricity sales and doesn’t align with their current revenue model.
On top of that, there is also lack of public awareness about it, as well as no clear policies or models pushing it forward.
We also talked with 2 energy experts from AES Indiana. They said that they have very little incentive to promote Community Solar since it reduces electricity sales and doesn’t align with their current revenue model.
On top of that, there is also lack of public awareness about it, as well as no clear policies or models pushing it forward.
qoute
We don’t really push community solar because there’s no profit in it for us, and most people don’t even know it exists. If more people start showing interest then maybe we can push it more.
We don’t really push community solar because there’s no profit in it for us, and most people don’t even know it exists. If more people start showing interest then maybe we can push it more.
Energy Expert, AES Indiana
Energy Expert, AES Indiana
As a result, even though the model works in other states, it’s still not a mainstream option in Indiana.
As a result, even though the model works in other states, it’s still not a mainstream option in Indiana.
User research
User research
In Summary
In Summary
We found the issue wasn't lack of interest. It was due to lack of clarity, access and trust. Almost all of our users found the process to be complex and costly. And very few were aware of the government incentives as well as community solar.
Instead of designing to convince more people to go solar, we decided to focus on bridging the gap between people and community solar. If we could make it easy to understand, trust, and join a community solar program, it could also spark more public interest, which could eventually help bring community solar into focus in Indiana.
We found the issue wasn't lack of interest. It was due to lack of clarity, access and trust. Almost all of our users found the process to be complex and costly. And very few were aware of the government incentives as well as community solar.
Instead of designing to convince more people to go solar, we decided to focus on bridging the gap between people and community solar. If we could make it easy to understand, trust, and join a community solar program, it could also spark more public interest, which could eventually help bring community solar into focus in Indiana.
design direction
design direction
How might we make Community Solar seem easy and approachable so people can find local options in their area, learn about the benefits, and join with confidence?
How might we make Community Solar seem easy and approachable so people can find local options in their area, learn about the benefits, and join with confidence?
synthesis
synthesis
user Journey
user Journey
I created a user journey to map out how Maya, our ideal user, would try to switch to solar energy without SolarHive. This helped us see the emotional highs and lows she experiences, and pinpoint the moments where confusion and frustration lead her to give up. This directly informed our design, focusing on making switching to solar feel simple, clear, and achievable.
I created a user journey to map out how Maya, our ideal user, would try to switch to solar energy without SolarHive. This helped us see the emotional highs and lows she experiences, and pinpoint the moments where confusion and frustration lead her to give up. This directly informed our design, focusing on making switching to solar feel simple, clear, and achievable.
BIO
BIO
Maya cares about the environment and wants to lower her electricity bill. She recently started looking into solar, but found it expensive, confusing, and clearly not made for renters. She’s willing to take action, but only if it’s simple, affordable, and easy to trust.
Maya cares about the environment and wants to lower her electricity bill. She recently started looking into solar, but found it expensive, confusing, and clearly not made for renters. She’s willing to take action, but only if it’s simple, affordable, and easy to trust.
Goals
Goals
Save money on her energy bill
Save money on her energy bill
Save money on her energy bill
Support clean energy in a way that works for her
Support clean energy in a way that works for her
Support clean energy in a way that works for her
Find a solar option that doesn’t require owning a home
Find a solar option that doesn’t require owning a home
Find a solar option that doesn’t require owning a home
pAIN POINTS
pAIN POINTS
Surprised by the high cost of rooftop solar
Surprised by the high cost of rooftop solar
Surprised by the high cost of rooftop solar
Gets confused by scattered info about community solar
Gets confused by scattered info about community solar
Gets confused by scattered info about community solar
Doesn’t know who to contact or how to get started
Doesn’t know who to contact or how to get started
Doesn’t know who to contact or how to get started
Maya Patel, 27
Maya Patel, 27
Maya Patel, 27
Middle School Teacher
Middle School Teacher
Middle School Teacher
Rents an Apartment
Rents an Apartment
Rents an Apartment
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis, IN
qoute
qoute
I want to do my part for the environment, but I always thought solar wasn’t really an option for someone like me.
I want to do my part for the environment, but I always thought solar wasn’t really an option for someone like me.
synthesis
synthesis
user Journey
user Journey
Starting
Decides to look into solar energy after seeing rising bills and reading about climate change.
"It’s time to finally do something about this."
Starting
Decides to look into solar energy after seeing rising bills and reading about climate change.
"It’s time to finally do something about this."
I created a user journey to map out how Maya, our ideal user, would try to switch to solar energy without SolarHive. This helped us see the emotional highs and lows she experiences, and pinpoint the moments where confusion and frustration lead her to give up. This directly informed our design, focusing on making switching to solar feel simple, clear, and achievable.
I created a user journey to map out how Maya, our ideal user, would try to switch to solar energy without SolarHive. This helped us see the emotional highs and lows she experiences, and pinpoint the moments where confusion and frustration lead her to give up. This directly informed our design, focusing on making switching to solar feel simple, clear, and achievable.
Starting
Decides to look into solar energy after seeing rising bills and reading about climate change.
"It’s time to finally do something about this."
Starting
Decides to look into solar energy after seeing rising bills and reading about climate change.
"It’s time to finally do something about this."
Low-fidelity Wireframes
Low-fidelity Wireframes
Testing early concepts
Testing early concepts
I explored different layout options through low-fidelity wireframes to figure out how the new social features would fit into Spotify’s existing app structure. Early testing showed that users wanted a more detailed layout for friend activity, which led to some refinement.
I explored different layout options through low-fidelity wireframes to figure out how the new social features would fit into Spotify’s existing app structure. Early testing showed that users wanted a more detailed layout for friend activity, which led to some refinement.
visual guide
Moodboard
Moodboard
I reimagined Spotify’s logo to be more fluid and expressive, reinforcing my redesign direction of motion and engagement, while keeping it's core identity intact.
I reimagined Spotify’s logo to be more fluid and expressive, reinforcing my redesign direction of motion and engagement, while keeping it's core identity intact.
Typography
Typography
SF Pro Display
SF Pro Display
Color Palette
Color Palette
#A9EA96
#A9EA96
#A9EA96
#50A434
#50A434
#50A434
#FFFFFF
#FFFFFF
#FFFFFF
#000000
#000000
#000000
USABILITY TESTING
USABILITY TESTING
Testing with real users
Testing with real users
We tested the prototype with 5 users and also ran heuristic evaluations using Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics.
We asked users to complete two key tasks:
We tested the prototype with 5 users and also ran heuristic evaluations using Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics.
We asked users to complete two key tasks:
Getting on-boarded on the app, which includes finding and subscribing to a solar plan.
Getting on-boarded on the app, which includes finding and subscribing to a solar plan.
Getting on-boarded on the app, which includes finding and subscribing to a solar plan.
Redeem earned solar credits.
Redeem earned solar credits.
Redeem earned solar credits.
USABILITY TESTING
USABILITY TESTING
What we found
What we found
We tested the prototype with 5 users and also ran heuristic evaluations using Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics.
We asked users to complete two key tasks:
We tested the prototype with 5 users and also ran heuristic evaluations using Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics.
We asked users to complete two key tasks:
Users wanted to see plan and farm details before linking their utility account.
Users wanted to see plan and farm details before linking their utility account.
The concept of solar credits was confusing, and users wanted it explained more clearly.
The concept of solar credits was confusing, and users wanted it explained more clearly.
Some users couldn’t find their utility provider and felt stuck.
Some users couldn’t find their utility provider and felt stuck.
A few users didn’t know how to change their plan after subscribing.
A few users didn’t know how to change their plan after subscribing.
There was no confirmation after redeeming credits, which made users nervous about their money.
There was no confirmation after redeeming credits, which made users nervous about their money.
Reflection
Reflection
Looking Back
Looking Back
At the start of this project, I had no idea what community solar is. So I researched, a lot.
Through this, I realized just how many people want transition to clean energy but feel stuck because of cost, renting, or just not knowing where to start. These sentiments shaped my design decisions. I made sure to keep the app simple, showed all the clear savings and benefits upfront, and introducing solar credits to explain community solar in a plain language.
I'm super proud that we could make something as confusing as community solar, just a tad bit easier and accessible. It also reminded me why I enjoy designing so much.
Sometimes, a good design might not completely solve a problem, but it can give the users the confidence to take the first step.
This project started as a motion graphics assignment, but as I explored ideas, it made sense to also rethink parts of the product itself. That’s where the idea of the Social Hub came in.
I ended up working across motion design , UX, and brand design to make Spotify feel more connected and personal. I learned how to keep motion purposeful and how small interaction details can change how a product feels by a huge margin.
It also gave me more practice designing around real user needs, not just visuals. Overall, it taught me how to build more connected, intentional experiences.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead
What I’d Do Differently
What I’d Do Differently
If I could do this project again, I would:
If I could do this project again, I would:
Spend more time with renters and low-income users to understand their unique concerns about switching to solar.
Spend more time with renters and low-income users to understand their unique concerns about switching to solar.
Spend more time with renters and low-income users to understand their unique concerns about switching to solar.
Test the concept earlier with real utility bills to see how people interpret credits and savings in context.
Test the concept earlier with real utility bills to see how people interpret credits and savings in context.
Test the concept earlier with real utility bills to see how people interpret credits and savings in context.
Work more closely with energy experts from the start to explain the environmental impact in a way that feels real and relatable.
Work more closely with energy experts from the start to explain the environmental impact in a way that feels real and relatable.
Work more closely with energy experts from the start to explain the environmental impact in a way that feels real and relatable.
Conclusion
Conclusion
What's Next?
What's Next?
While I’m extremely proud of how this project turned out, there’s still a lot more I’d like to work on.
While I’m extremely proud of how this project turned out, there’s still a lot more I’d like to work on.
Particularly, I’d like to focus on:
Particularly, I’d like to focus on:
Partnering with more utility providers to cover a larger area beyond Indianapolis.
Partnering with more utility providers to cover a larger area beyond Indianapolis.
Partnering with more utility providers to cover a larger area beyond Indianapolis.
Integrate live data feeds from providers so users can see credits and impact in real time.
Integrate live data feeds from providers so users can see credits and impact in real time.
Integrate live data feeds from providers so users can see credits and impact in real time.
Add features that show collective impact and let users set personal climate goals to keep them engaged long-term.
Add features that show collective impact and let users set personal climate goals to keep them engaged long-term.
Add features that show collective impact and let users set personal climate goals to keep them engaged long-term.
This project made me realize that ideas can come from anywhere. Sometimes from a small detail, a design gap, or just noticing something that could be made better.
This project made me realize that ideas can come from anywhere. Sometimes from a small detail, a design gap, or just noticing something that could be made better.
This project made me realize that ideas can come from anywhere. Sometimes from a small detail, a design gap, or just noticing something that could be better. Moving forward, I want to stay open to those moments and keep building on them as part of my design process.
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