Solar power generation system doors and windows

What are solar windows?

Solar windows are an exciting technology that lets you generate electricity from more than just rooftop panels. As the solar market evolves and expands, companies are looking into new solar technologies to spread solar energy generation beyond traditional rooftop and ground-mount solar panels.

Can commercial Windows be energy-producing solar panels?

NEXT Energy Technologies produces a transparent photovoltaic coating that transforms commercial windows into energy-producing solar panels. The company said its first-generation windows could offset as much as 10-20% of the electricity needs of a typical commercial high-rise office building.

Can solar panel windows impact the solar market?

A solar window that doesn't let enough light acts as a vertically mounted solar panel; if it lets too much light in, the window can't generate enough electricity to be cost-effective. For solar panel windows to impact the solar market, they need to become truly building-integrated and unobtrusive by utilizing transparent solar panel technology.

Can solar panels be used as a power source?

The windows generate enough power to charge a smartphone a few times a day and can't act as a standalone power source for buildings yet. When it comes to solar panel windows that generate power from the glass itself, the technology is much further away. The key to a future with true transparent solar windows may involve nanotechnology.

How can solar energy help a building?

These companies are producing solar energy generating windows, flexible surfaces, and blinds as a creative, distributed way to meet the energy demand of buildings. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy use and contribute about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet.

Are solar panel windows commercially available?

While solar panel windows aren't commercially available yet, the cost of installing traditional solar panels is falling rapidly, and advances in manufacturing mean that they are more efficient than ever. Visit the EnergySage Solar Marketplace to receive competitive quotes for your property from reputable local installers.