Richard Nelson first used the technology for private experiments from the time of invention (about 1973) until about 1979-80 when the first patents were applied for what is now known as SolaRoof or Solar Bubble Greenhouse. Then Nelson used the technology as a basis for his private R&D enterprise that was funded by private and government funding until about 1995. Field testing and demonstration scale projects were implemented, the largest being a 6,000 square foot greenhouse at McGill University in Montreal. Nelson then advised several projects on the construction of a few SolaRoof projects sponsored by private enterprise, including projects at a school, a university, a residence and a 12,000 square foot greenhouse near Calgary that was in full production of a commercial tomato crop for about 3 years.
In 2001 Nelson was inspired by the success of the OpenSource Software Community and the success with the Linux Operating System software that has involved some 40,000 individuals who have contributed over the last several years to an “open” project that reveals all of the knowledge (the source code) developed to any user or developer. Seeing the potential of the Open Source movement in relation to software development Nelson has become one of the pioneers who has sought to as an entrepreneur extend that approach to other aspects of the economy and particularly integrate it with the SolaRoof technology.
The SolaRoof Collaborative involves a Community of end-users, forming a core group that’s seeking to give birth to an open and cooperative network of businesses that would supply components and materials produced to the OpenSource specifications that are published and constantly improved by our Community. This Social Enterprise Network is designed better balance company financial success with social and environmental measures of success and sustainability, which is now referred to as the “Triple Bottom Line.”