The windows called high power density photovoltaic glass units are being made by Pythagoras Solar. They will retain views and daylighting for the floor, reduce heat and produce as much electricity as a traditional solar panel. The windows consist of monocrystalline silicon solar cells sandwiched between two layers of glass with an internal prism that directs the sunlight onto the solar cells, while letting diffuse light through. The result is a cooler, natural lighting environment inside the skyscraper and a more efficient solar panel.
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very interesting and cool. it makes perfect sense to harness some of that sunlight on buildings, doesn't it? i wonder if enough power could be generated by this to supply a majority of the building's power needs?
ReplyDeleteHaving lived in Chicago for 5 years and having spent a great deal of time at the Sears Tower, I find this most interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis is something people ought to think about for every skyscraper.
ReplyDeleteI love Chicago. It's one thing we can be proud of here in the Midwest.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect idea ~ Ally x
ReplyDeleteA great idea..! Very creative, too... should be a part of skyscraper construction and design from here on out..!
ReplyDeleteSounds cool!
ReplyDeleteWhat isn't answered here is the cost/benefit relationship. How much are the new windows/panels going to cost, and how much return in generated elctricity are they going to provide? My bet: you couldn't find the answers to those questions if you tried.
ReplyDeleteAs I'm sure you know, I'm loving this. looking forward to more of these being made and installed all over the world.
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