What is the future of solar glass?
Polysolar is currently developing the next generation, organic polymer pholtovoltaics.They est -imate that this new ultra-thin solar panel will be ready for commercial use in 2 years.The idea is that it will be almost fully transparent,and therefore suitable for use in more applications and styles of bui -lding.It will work on most surfaces,at most angles–placement will affect yield,but not as much as trad -itional panels.It is also hoped that the new method of production will keep costs down.
Today's panels are already being designed into new and existing buildings,including office bloc-ks in Canary Wharf.Organic polymer photovoltaics could conceivably replace all windows/glass in new builds,once it is transparent. It will always be ever so slightly tinted but not pixellated like its predeces -sors.
Polysolar believe they can make the installation cost realistic – even competitive – and that the measure it will pay back within 8-10 years in its cutting of energy bills.The more people who adopt the technology, presumably the price of materials and installation will drop. If you can fit it into the design of the building and have the initial budget to inject,it seems like you can't lose,because it'll pay for itself in the long run.While changes to the Feed in Tariff mean it's not much of an incentive any more,design and green building ratings are more important than ever.Most importantly,it's free, renewable energy to power your home!
