Comparison
Solar Rotational Molding (SRM) is unique among sustainable manufacturing processes in that it highly competitive with the traditional process it displaces without subsidies. The table below summarizes some of the key metrics.
| SRM | Traditional | ||
| Typical System Cost | Varies, $50K to $150K | $300K$1M + | |
| Energy Cost % of Finished Product | 0 | 10% to 30% | |
| ROI | 15% | 9% | |
| IRR | 299% | 185% | |
| Site Requirements | Flat or sloped unimproved land | Industrial building w/ concrete pad | |
| Grid-Tie Needed? | No | Yes gas and electric | |
| Sensitive to energy costs? | No one-time investment in heliostat array. | Yes cost and profitability directly related to energy cost | |
| System Installed Size | 60′ x 60′ and up | Varies, 45′ x 45′ to much larger | |
| Building Required? | No | Yes (concrete pad / steel ) | |
| Installation Environmental Impact | Minimal: @75% of plot unaffected (can be used for low-rise crops) | Major: permanent concrete pad, all wildlife displaced, no secondary uses | |
| Permanent Site Impact | Minimal, systems can be de-installed with minimal effort | Significant, permanent building | |
| LEED Credit Potential? | Significant zero carbon process, and can mold recycled plastic | Minor, IF used to mold recycled plastic | |
| Quick Setup | Yes | No | |
| Compact System / Lightweight Elements for Shipping | Yes | No |