For those who aren’t busy enough to actually watch a bit of TV, some of you may have seen the latest BASF advert:
http://youtu.be/3Tera26AMwM
Did you all catch that? Yep, they mentioned solar powered windows. However I’m not an expert on this sort of new technology so I’ll leave it to BASF to explain how it works:
Organic solar cells can be colored, transparent, and applied to flexible, light films. They generate electricity even under cloudy skies. We will soon be able to generate solar energy anywhere: in cars and windows, or inside buildings. Working together with partners, BASF not only develops the dyes, but also provides for device setup and production processes. With long-lasting and efficient organic solar modules future photovoltaics will be open to everybody.
See original article: http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/chemistryworldtour/en/innovationen/organic-solar-cells
So, it’s all about organic solar cells. According to what BASF say, it seems like they already know how to make the technology work as they say that they not only produce the cells, but also the equipment in which to implement it.
This seriously could have long term, positive ramifications to how the fenestration industry, even down to a residential level, works. Think about it, we’re of telling customers that our A rated windows generate energy and heat energy even though we know it’s doubtful in certain places. But given this sort of technology, we can be almost certain that all the glass in their windows works for them.
BASF say they will work with partners to help introduce the technology. That means the big glass players like Pilks will need to sit down at the BASF table and see how viable this sort of technology is. Personally, I would love to see this filter down into the residential sector. It could open up a whole new market in the residential glazing sector – and I urge the big boys to really start looking into it’s various options.
What do you guys think? Please leave your comments, good or bad, in the section below.
> Think about it, we’re of telling customers that our A rated windows generate energy and heat energy even though we know it’s doubtful in certain places. Speak for yourself! :-) I always tell customers exactly where they will benefit from A rated windows and explain the reasons why it won’t provide any benefit on windows that don’t get any winter sunshine. And what the downsides are of A rated glass on south facing windows in the summer. Then let them decide if they think it’s something they want. I am amazed how many competitors just say ‘A rated is… Read more »
I hope this technology comes in sooner rather than later; it may reduce the amount of hideous solar panels on everyone’s roofs.
We are really looking foward to this new technology, but I have heard from prev customers that this technology is avaliable in germany, the front leaders in solar energy
Double glazing that produces electricity has got to be a good thing and leading to bigger order values as customers will get more windows done to increase ROI, thanks DGB for this blog post again.many thanks the double glazing team http://www.thehomeimprovementpeople.co.uk