Photovoltaic windows
Solar or photovoltaic windows are a recent innovation in the field ofsolar energy, combining the functionality of conventional windows with electricity generation. They integrate organic solar cells or organic photovoltaic cells into the glazing, generating electricity while allowing natural light to pass through.
Transparent photovoltaic solar glass can replace conventional glazing on Velux windows, bay windows and roof windows, providing a solar solution tailored to the home. These solar windows can be combined with solar-powered roller shutters for enhanced solar protection and thermal insulation.
Advantages of solar windows
Solar windows offer several advantages over conventional solar panels. They save space by integrating electricity generation directly into the window, without the need for additional solar panels. What’s more, they can be an aesthetic solution for homes with photovoltaic windows.
Solar film, which can be applied to existing windows, also offers solar protection and heat control by reflecting heat and reducing glare. Some mirrored solar films are designed to improve protection against the cold in winter.
Despite the advantages of solar windows, it’s important to note that their energy yield is generally lower than that of conventional photovoltaic panels. However, the photovoltaic solar energy produced by solar windows can help reduce electricity costs and improve the overall energy efficiency of the home.
Companies
Several companies offer solar windows and solar roller shutters. These include
- Physee Technologies (Netherlands): Physee is an innovative company that develops smart solar windows called PowerWindows. These windows convert sunlight into electricity while maintaining a transparent appearance.
- SolarWindow Technologies (United States): SolarWindow is an American company that designs organic photovoltaic coatings that can be applied to glass surfaces. Their products generate solar energy while maintaining transparency.
- Onyx Solar (Spain): Onyx Solar specializes in the design and manufacture of photovoltaic glass for buildings. Their products include solar windows and photovoltaic facades for architectural integration.
- Polysolar (United Kingdom): Polysolar offers transparent photovoltaic glazing solutions for buildings and infrastructure. Their product range includes solar windows, panels for facades and roofs.
- Ubiquitous Energy (United States): Ubiquitous Energy develops transparent solar cells that can be integrated into windows. Their technology, called ClearView Power, is designed to absorb only ultraviolet and infrared light, while allowing visible light to pass through.