Technology Tuesday: Solar Windows

In recent years, it seems no conversation about energy savings can be had without the mention of solar electricity generation.  People love it because it makes a very visible statement about your agency’s commitment to renewable energy.  However, as with all technology, solar panels have their drawbacks.  For example, the necessity to have them cleaned to maintain their efficacy and their inability, in some applications, to generate electricity all hours during which the sun is out. 

As with all technology, solar panels have made advancements in recent years.  One major advancement is Solar Windows.  One thing that caught my attention about this technology first is that Solar Windows combines solar generation with an existing feature of a building and therefore, won’t create additional tasks for maintenance staff; windows need to be cleaned periodically as part of regular facility maintenance. 

Depending on the application, one could have Solar Windows on all sides of a building which would allow for solar generation at all times of the day; not just on the south side of the facility.  Additionally, the pioneering company of the Solar Window has reported in their white paper that their technology has a less than one-year payback on average.  That’s pretty impressive! 

Sources: 

https://www.solarwindow.com/galleries/videos/  
https://www.solarwindow.com/2015/02/new-energys-electricity-generating-solarwindow-trumps-competition-with-industrys-fastest-ever-payback/  

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