Solar glass process enhanced

New Energy Technologies is one of several start-ups bringing to market low-cost, high-volume processes for making solar cells and integrating into substrates for applications like energy-harvesting glass for buildings. Image: New Energy TechnologiesThe company's enhanced scale-up process still allows for the application of its electricity-generating coatings to be applied at room temperature onto glass. The technology forms the basis of translucent window and glass products for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications.



The new solution-coating method is an alternative to the spray coating process the company has been using and allows for rapid scale-up to larger glass surface areas. The advanced process also allows for more uniform application of functional coatings, to make the company's SolarWindows.



The technique has been demonstrated as compatible with roll-to-roll fabrication methods, potentially providing for large-scale manufacturing. Earlier in 2011, New Energy researchers successfully applied the SolarWindow electricity-generating coatings onto flexible plastic, which could be developed in time as a tinted window film that also produces electricity.



Read more: www.plusplasticelectronics.com/buildingsinfrastructure/solar-glass-process-enhanced-43396.aspx