Power-Generating Glass: Windows of the Future
By Jenny Rector on Monday, March 2nd, 2009
PV-Glass Windows. Manufactured by Rainbow Solar Inc.
It seems to be full of contradictions: a seemingly dematerialized surface that generates power and stores light. Rainbow Solar Inc. (RSi) has produced the transparent, photovoltaic-glass window which generates 80-250 watts of electricity. Although this is not the first “solar window” (see Suntech See Thru and NanaPower Window Technology) it appears that RSi has taken a big step forward.
In a distraught economy with rising energy prices, saving money seems to be on everyone’s mind. The potential of this product is exciting and hopeful. In a hot-house test, the proven energy savings of the product were greater than 50%, according to a study conducted by the NTUST (National Taiwan University of Science and Technology), under the directorship of Professor C.H. Young (Ph.D.). So groundbreaking, this study received attention from the Discovery Channel.
An enclosed super-tempered glass window system, with a fully-integrated multi-tier PV and heat insulation technology (patent pending); it is being called the next-generation of BIPV (building integrated photovoltaic) and the “Window of the Future.” According to the company’s press release, “The RSi PV-Glass Window uses the sunlight, and heat from the sun, to generate electricity, reducing heat, and providing a semi-transparent window that provides privacy, while maintaining a comfortable level of visibility to the outside world. At the same time, RSi PV-Glass Windows provide a 100% reduction in Ultraviolet and Infrared radiation, adding that extra level of protection not offered by standard glass windows.” The inclusion of this new window technology requires little in the way of changes by architects, developers, and builders, making it an ideal BIPV product.
The windows can currently be manufactured up to 9’ x 9’ in size and are rated anywhere between 80-250 watts each, depending on size. This new window will be available with a variety of options to meet design, weather, climate and building code requirements. They can include a privacy curtain, which converts the entire window into a light panel, thus blocking out the already shaded window.
Given the reduction in sunlight emitted due to the window’s semi-transparent nature, this particular technology would most applicable to large expanses of glazing. Some have expressed skepticism with the product’s claim of transparency, among other things. With that said, if you would prefer to leave the solar technology on your roof (at least for the time being,) check out the Solar Roofing System: an aesthetically pleasing and easy to install BIPV roof system.
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How many tons of nature are distroyed in order to create a 9’x9’ PV window?
Why no ones questions natures impact of so called green technology?
Well, certainly there was a lot of research needed to create this product, and its potential for the future is very exciting. Hopefully the environmental benefits will outweigh any harm done in the research/production phases, though I cannot speak of what these are. The company is working to produce this product locally (in the US and Canada) which is obviously an aim at a “greener” future— minimizing gas usage by shortening distance traveled.
If anyone has additional insight on this subject (especially relating to RSi) please don’t hesitate to share!
I was doing some research on the latest developments in Window technology and found this article. Love the concept - looking forward to the application.
Chicago- absolutely. Whether or not this specific product will be a success, its implications are huge. I look forward to seeing its development- both within the company and through other designers and scientists.
[…] item in the very near future. This sustainable technology brings to mind Rainbow Solar’s photovoltaic glass window, previously featured on 3Rings. Both products are conceptually innovative and provide serious […]
this is very cool.. check out the roof on the bio building in NY - also very cool: http://mygreenpalette.com/projects/detail/94
[…] Power-Generating Glass: Windows of the Future – “It seems to be full of contradictions: a seemingly dematerialized surface that generates power and stores light. Rainbow Solar Inc. (RSi) has produced the transparent, photovoltaic-glass window which generates 80-250 watts of electricity. Although this is not the first “solar window” (see Suntech See Thru and NanaPower Window Technology) it appears that RSi has taken a big step forward…” […]
A step in the right direction is all I have got to say about that. Great to see designers thinking outside of the box and using the resources surrounding the structure for power.