Would you like windows on your home that generate electricity? A new order for ClearVue solar glass provides an indicator of what the technology costs.
Western Australia based ClearVue Technologies Limited produces windows that generate electricity. The special glass used incorporates a nanoparticle interlayer sandwiched within a panel comprised of two or three glass panes1. and spectral-selective coating on some of the panes. This allows up to 70% of natural light to pass through and redirects infrared and UV light converted to infrared to the edge of the pane where it is harvested by solar cells.
The first commercial trial of ClearVue solar glass commenced at Warwick Grove Shopping Centre in Western Australia early in 2019. The windows are averaging close to 1.6kWh of electricity generation a day, but ClearVue notes the installation involves less than ideal angles and some heavy shading. More recently and also in WA, a high-tech greenhouse at Murdoch University’s grains research precinct comprised mainly of ClearVue solar windows was completed in April this year.
ClearVue has now chalked up its first sale of solar glass for use in an outdoor public open space application – a covered seating area at an inner-Sydney park. Which park isn’t mentioned.
In this scenario the windows have a double application. They’ll be used to power lighting at the park (so perhaps some battery storage is also involved) and protect park users from “the harmful effects of UV and heat from IR” – and of course, rain.
“This new project, whilst a small project for the Company, demonstrates the versatility of the ClearVue technology and products,” said ClearVue Executive Chairman and Founder, Victor Rosenberg
How Much Do ClearVue Solar Windows Cost?
The announcement notes 104 sqm (42 panels) have been ordered, and the value of the order is $114,00 ex-GST. That price includes aluminium framing, international sea freight, local delivery to the Sydney park and all freight insurances and taxes.
ClearVue solar windows are currently rated to generate 30 watts-peak of electric power for each 1m2, so:
104sqm x 30 watts = 3.1kW for $114,000; not including installation and ex-GST.
Just as some sort of comparison – and not a great one given the difference between the products – a good quality conventional 3kW solar system costs around $3,500 – $5,000 installed including GST. According to the SolarQuotes Australian Solar Price Index – NSW, you can currently buy a 6.6kW system for around $6,000 fully installed. Depending on installation scenario, a conventional solar power system would also generate significantly more electricity overall based on watt-for-watt capacity.
While ClearVue solar windows are very pricey, it’s an interesting building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology that should drop in price as the product evolves and manufacturing scales up. On a related note, the company has previously mentioned a 40W product should be available this year – and 50 watts should also be possible with further development.
The company has been developing the technology for around a decade and working with the Electron Science Research Institute (ESRI) at Edith Cowan University in WA.
Footnotes
- ClearVue can be produced as double, triple, quadruple or vacuum glazed. ↩
About Michael Bloch
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Although not particularly cost effective, it’s a start towards better results down the track. Add to this the minimisation of exposure to U.V. and I.R light for those working inside the building for extended periods.
the point that is missed is that a traditional solar array cannot encase a skyscraper, because nobody would be able to see out of the building!
What would have been useful would have been an estimate of how soon a 20 story building would recoup it’s investment, due energy savings
Where does it say you can’t see out of the windows. It’s a window. You have to be able to see through it. You can see out of the ones at Warwick Shopping Centre in WA so I’m not sure what your referring to.
As the south side of my tiled roof is not suitable for solar panels, I am wondering if anyone is working on a telescope style of panel on a pole support, that would turn to follow the sun?
It would be so much easier for residential use, and easier to install anywhere.