Most localities now require double pane windows for energy efficient. In between the panes of the window is a gas usually argon that helps cut down on heat transfer.

An Israeli, SolarOr, has created a substance that instead of simply helping conserve energy actually generates energy. This innovation was on display the Intersolar event in San Fransisco last month.

SolarOr sandwiches the faceted solar cells between the two pane of glass of their windows. These layers of “honeycombs” inside the glass allows the tiny solar cells to be facing upwards towards the sun.

One would expect that these tiny cells might be inefficient compared to regular solar panels. But in fact, they produce 155 watts per square meter compared to 220 watts for most mass market solar panels. The obvious advantage of SolarOr’s products is that the solar panels are completely integrated into the window structure of the building.

Most localities now require double pane windows for energy efficient. In between the panes of the window is a gas usually argon that helps cut down on heat transfer.

An Israeli, SolarOr, has created a substance that instead of simply helping conserve energy actually generates energy. This innovation was on display the Intersolar event in San Fransisco last month.

SolarOr sandwiches the faceted solar cells between the two pane of glass of their windows. These layers of “honeycombs” inside the glass allows the tiny solar cells to be facing upwards towards the sun.

One would expect that these tiny cells might be inefficient compared to regular solar panels. But in fact, they produce 155 watts per square meter compared to 220 watts for most mass market solar panels. The obvious advantage of SolarOr’s products is that the solar panels are completely integrated into the window structure of the building.

Normally Building Integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) must be added on top of a roof. These solar windows don’t require roof square footage and generate energy on top of conserving it. SolarOr’s glass cuts heat transfer and allows 40% of light transfer thereby meeting governmental requirement of energy efficiency.

The Solar Window has the potential to really push us towards a true “Zero Carbon Building.” SolarOr’s cutting edge window technology is multifunctional: besides being a source of electricity, it offers tangible benefits, such as radiation management, weather protection, thermal insulation, and noise protection.

Characteristics of SolarOr’s BIPV Module

• Optimal design for vertical installation offers the best sun harvesting performance.
• Translucent technology permits light transmission and provides noise insulation.
• Total internal reflection technology enables back reflection (towards the sun) of excessive sun energy.
• Improved thermal insulation.
• Best price performance in the industry.

Basic Solar Module Element:

Front Plane – Low Iron Glass.
Interlayer – LCPV with Solar Cells.
Rear Plane – Float Glass (Thickness according to static load requirements).

Original Article on The Boston Solar Company Blog