Solar windows are nothing new, but Rainbow Solar’s (RSi) new transparent photovoltaic-glass window looks like a big step for building-integrated photovoltaics. The window, which generates 80 to 250 watts of electricity, comes with some swanky extras— a built-in electrical privacy curtain as well as a new technology to convert the window into a light panel.
According to a recent study performed by the NTUST (National Taiwan University of Science and Technology), the new window has proven energy savings greater than 50 percent. RSi’s window can be built up to 9×9 ft in size, and uses battery technology with a lifespan of 55 years.
RSi claims that their technology could one day eliminate the need for electrical power plants. While I think that may be a bit of an exaggeration, the company’s solar windows are an easy, practical way for buildings to generate their own electricity.
Photo Credit: NREL
I don't like paywalls. You don't like paywalls. Who likes paywalls? Here at CleanTechnica, we implemented a limited paywall for a while, but it always felt wrong — and it was always tough to decide what we should put behind there. In theory, your most exclusive and best content goes behind a paywall. But then fewer people read it! We just don't like paywalls, and so we've decided to ditch ours. Unfortunately, the media business is still a tough, cut-throat business with tiny margins. It's a never-ending Olympic challenge to stay above water or even perhaps — gasp — grow. So ...
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