Table of Contents
Solar windows may be defined as the windows with solar panels that hold ultraviolet and infrared light and change them into electricity. They utilize the idea of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
1. Features of Solar Windows
a. It looks like conventional windows and possesses photovoltaic glazing which changes solar energy into renewable electricity.
b. The type of glass utilized for the preparation of solar windows turns on use, operation, architectural, and energy generation needs. The major types of glasses are:
c. Low iron glass:
These glasses give an unrestricted view compared to regular glass. They hold less iron content, giving in an extremely clear glass that grows light transparency, brightness, and clarity.
Regular glass:
Regular glass possesses high iron content. It is applied where strength and durability are mandatory.
Low-E coating glass:
Low emissivity glass is utilized to reduce the passage of UV and infrared light without compromising the visible light that passes in the building.
d. It provides transparent, semi-transparent, semi-opaque, and transitional design options.
e. It can be utilized as skylights, curtain walls, window walls, punch windows, and fixed windows.
f. The inside views of solar windows installed in Boulder Commons, Colorado. The two panels of glass are secured together. These panels possess wires attached to a battery in the building or straightly attached to any electric unit near the window, like light or electric blinds.
g. It can eject around 8-9 Watts of power based on the amount of solar energy absorbed.
h. Solar windows are well organized and economical when fixed in commercial buildings and apartment complexes.
There are three types of solar windows that are found in the market or researched:
Photovoltaic films: These are thin films of organic cells coated onto the glass, working also as a retrofit solution for standard window glass
Dual glass (also called: double glass or glass-glass) modules, which are essentially crystalline silicon solar cells attached between two coats of glass
Solar-embedded windows are glass windows having solar cells attached to the glass.
2. Advantages of Solar Windows
The advantages of solar windows are as follows:
a. It decreases the indoor hotness during the summer season.
b. They decrease power uses and hence decrease utility bills.
c. They control ultraviolet radiation, protecting from fading of interior furniture.
d. It raises privacy by giving a tinting choice.
e. They decrease glare within the building.
f. The price of fixing is low compared to solar panels.
g. It needs low maintenance cost.
h. The lower carbon footprint.
3. Disadvantages of Solar Windows
The disadvantages of solar windows are as follows:
a. It is costlier than that normal windows.
b. Low energy conversion rate.
c. Disposal of old solar panels can be harmful to the environment.
4. Conclusion
As per Ubiquitous Energy (a leading manufacturer of solar windows), solar windows are 30% more costly than normal windows. But this is compensated by carrying the yearly decrease in utility bills and the decrease in global emissions.
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