Solar powered glass makes for one cool window
05 Apr '07 from the editors
Residential solar power is still so expensive that, for most of us, it's hard to imagine ever enjoying such eco-extravagance, let alone having gossamer-thin solar cells applied, almost transparently, like a gloss between our dual paned windows. Technology that advanced seems like something that might redefine the phrase "small fortune." Not so, according to XsunX, a California based company that has designed just such solar technology. They're calling it Power Glass and they claim that, while the cells won't be as powerful as conventional solar cells, they'll be considerably less expensive.
Wired magazine waxed poetic about the potential of the window-as-solar-panel technology in 2003, and Treehugger reported on XsunX's breakthrough in October of 2005. In the middle of last year, Energy Priorities reported that XsunX would be bringing the technology out of the lab in late 2006.
So where is this low-cost solar technology? Apparently, not available to the public yet. And while we may be impatient, we'll gladly abstain from complaining too much (a bit longer, at least)—because, well, being able to run the coffee maker and the toaster off the power generated by the kitchen window? Maybe not priceless, but definitely worth the wait!
Image Jairzinho Sanchez, www.sxc.hu
SOLAR POWERED GLASS
Solar Illuminations (a ‘green’ corporation who has its headquarters in Florida) are likely to be offering solar powered glass panels in 2010. Basically they will look no different than a regular piece of glass and can be tinted various shades too. From inside and outside the building it looks like regular glass. However, the great feature is that the glass is actually a solar panel and will therefore create electricity. Imagine a tall building, fitted with hundreds of solar glass panels. Then, imagine one, two or three entire sides of the building using this solar glass. There is a huge potential to capture a large amounts of energy, hundreds of kilowatts! That energy can be used to supply power within the building, or put back into the grind and sold to the electric company, or a combination of the two. Amazing? Well, that is what Solar Illuminations is all about. They are taking solar energy one step further! Not only will this new, patented technology be available for new construction but also for retro-fitting both commercial and residential properties.
Solar Illuminations - Solar Powered Glass Windows
I will be looking forward to Solar Illuminations new product. This sounds a great idea and solar powered windows should have been invented a long time ago. I intend to replaces all the windows on the south side of my home with this new technology and will contact Solar Illuminations in the new year to get full details. Thank you.