ClearVue, a company based in Perth, Australia, has developed photovoltaic solar windows that appear transparent from the outside.

According to Victor Rosenberg, the executive chairman of ClearVue, their technology represents a significant shift in the use of glass in industries such as construction, automotive, and agriculture. The company claims that glass will no longer be solely a construction component, but also a renewable energy resource.

Rosenberg expects the payback periods to be less than a year, with a product life exceeding 30 years. ClearVue aims to provide energy-efficient and energy-producing windows without any distortion.

In a two-year study conducted at Murdoch University’s Environmental Technology Center in Perth, ClearVue windows were installed in greenhouse roofs and vertical walls. The research from the university’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics revealed that ClearVue’s clear solar glazing technology consistently generated energy and significantly reduced energy consumption.

The windows produced electricity at rates of up to 19 kilowatt-hours per day, offsetting approximately 40% of energy costs.

These impressive results are attributed to ClearVue’s innovative use of fluorescent particles in their panels. The transparent interlayer of the panel contains nano and micro particles that direct solar energy towards the solar cells located at the boundaries of the insulated glass units (IGUs). This enables the harvesting of solar energy even when the sun is not directly shining on the IGU.

 

The vertical and rooftop installations of ClearVue windows allowed for sunlight capture from various angles, offering advantages over traditional rooftop panels.

According to CleanTechnica, clear vision solar glass for commercial building facades has been a topic of discussion for a long time. However, there has been limited real-world testing and extended studies until now.

It’s important to note that each installation is unique. Results may vary depending on the energy demands of the building and the specific installation of the solar glazing.

The findings of the Murdoch University research were released on July 12, 2023, in the MPDI journal. The study revealed that ClearVue windows allow approximately 70% of sunlight to pass through, which is comparable to the amount transmitted by traditional windows. This characteristic ensures that a building outfitted with ClearVue windows maintains its visual integrity, despite utilizing the windows for electricity generation.

As a result, ClearVue’s transparent solar windows could be a suitable option for preserving the aesthetic appeal of historic areas, where the external appearance of buildings holds significance.

Image Source: pv magazine India, https://shorturl.at/bEV19