Solar windows cut emissions, energy use by 40% in glass skyscrapers
The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has modeled the benefits of PV in highly glazed skyscrapers.
Comparing performance of transparent solar windows to traditional windows
The results of the study by Wells Fargo Foundation and NREL initiative showed that PV-coated windows can appreciably lower the solar heat gain coefficient.
Major advances for US, Australian solar window specialists
Australian solar window supplier ClearVue says its products can reduce carbon emissions in buildings by as much as 90%, while California-based BIPV window coating producer Ubiquitous Energy has raised $70 million to scale up its own tech.
Quantum dot solar window with 3.6% efficiency
U.S. manufacturer UbiQD has developed a solar window with laminated glass and luminescent solar concentrators, based on copper indium sulfide and zinc sulfide quantum dots. It is now testing pilot installations in Nevada.
New solar window tech with 2.1% efficiency
Researchers in South Korea have fabricated a fully transparent solar cell which they claim has a transmittance for visible light of more than 57%. The integrated device generates enough power to move a small-sized motor.
Solar windows made of chromophores
An Italian startup has developed a luminescent solar concentrator technology that can be integrated with active architectural elements and windows. The technology is based on nanoparticles known as chromophores, which decouple the absorption and light-emission processes, thanks to appropriate engineering. The company claims it has achieved a conversion efficiency of up to 3.2%, with a degree of transparency in the visible spectrum of around 80%.
A 15% efficient solar window that delivers 40% of US electricity
A University of Michigan team hopes to offer a 15% efficient solar window product, which allows 50% of the light through. It has received US$1.3 million from the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office to develop the idea further.
Italy: Glass to Power crowdfunds €2.25 million, plans solar window fab
Italy-based Glass to Power has raised €2.25 million via crowdfunding to advance its plans for the roll out of an industrial production line for its transparent solar PV windows. The product is expected to be marketed in 2019.
Quick Q&A: a new approach for solar-powered windows
Ferdinand Grapperhaus, CEO of PowerWindow developer Physee, discusses the company’s innovative approach to bringing more solar power into the home and C&I buildings.
