solar-powered window technololgy

FYI. Interesting solar technology being pilot tested:


http://www.jetsongreen.com/2011/03/pythagoras-solar-photovoltaic-window-unit.html
Pythagoras Solar makes a revolutionary solar-powered window – literally an insulated window with integrated photovoltaics – that has the ability to turn buildings into massive power producers. The company has been testing a pilot project on the south-facing windows of the 56th floor of Willis Tower, formerly known as Sears Tower. If the pilot goes well, Willis Tower could end up with a surface area of up to two megawatts of solar.



Pythagoras Solar claims to be the first company to offer a fully-integrated photovoltaic glass unit, or PVGU, that balances energy efficiency, high power density, and transparent design in a meaningful way.

In other words, the PVGU replaces insulated glass units and has both a low U-value and a low solar heat gain coefficient. At the same time, the solar-integrated window delivers the highest power density of any other building-integrated photovoltaic solution by generating up to four times more of electricity, according to the company. The PVGU also allows natural light and a certain level of transparency (see picture).

for the good of the planet and our futures.
:thumbsup:

These should be on the south face of every sun-exposed skyscraper in the USA at the very least.

One question from the linked article: it states that the project will put these windows on one floor of the skyscraper but then later states that ultimately the windows would generate 2 MW.

Is that 2 MW from just the windows on that one floor or did they calculate output based on the entire south side of the building with these windows?

though I infer they mean it would take the entire side or building to generate 2MW

Every little bit helps!

I see there being two main prerequisites for widespread solar technology acceptance.

First. Reaching a a price point where the cost/benefit makes it attractive relative to other sources of energy. Fortunately, the cost for PV is going down and while the efficiency is going up. When the investment payback to the consumer get down to 18-24 months then you'll see widespread demand. Right now it isn't cheap enough. Most people won't or can't pay $10K-$40K just to add solar to their house. But when the price point gets down to $1000-$5000, then people with a $100-$200-$300/month electric bill won't mind paying for PV to drastically reduce their electric bill. I say reduce because I think most people will still need to have connection to the public utility grid for backup or for high demand days.

Second. There is an aesthetics issue. Many people, myself included, think traditional solar panels are butt ass ugly. No way would I stick some panels on the roof of my house. It simply looks like the afterthought that it is. I'd rather pay more for electric than have these things. BUT if you can integrate them into normal looking and functional windows, or develop PV roofing shingles/tiles that look like traditional roofing materials then you will have something. I wouldn't be surprised if one day someone comes up with a PV paint or something so all you have to do is paint your house and you'll have solar power.

The day of widespread use is coming for sure. It's just not quite there yet.

GE does thin film at 12%, Magnolia Solar can do 20% in the lab.

I'm not familiar with the technology. I just ran across the link and thought it was interesting.