Soft Low-E coated photovoltaic glass reduces energy demand

ClearVue Technologies Limited has validated a manufacturing capability that allows its energy-generating Gen 3 Vision Glass to be specified and processed using the same established systems as conventional commercial glazing.

The capability allows a soft Low-E, or low-emissivity, coating to be applied after ClearVue’s photovoltaic cells have been laminated into the glass. These coatings help control the amount of solar heat entering a building.

By bringing solar-control performance and renewable energy generation together in one glazing unit, the capability allows the building envelope to play a greater role in both reducing energy demand and generating clean energy.

For commercial buildings, where façade performance can influence cooling requirements, occupant comfort and operational efficiency, this provides a more practical pathway towards lower-energy buildings.

For architects and engineers, the development means ClearVue’s glass can now incorporate the solar-control performance required for commercial façades without compromising its ability to generate renewable energy or changing the appearance of the building.

For glass processors and manufacturers, the glass can move through existing coating lines without the need for new equipment or changes to standard production processes. This provides a more straightforward pathway for ClearVue’s technology to be incorporated into established façade supply chains.

The capability was successfully demonstrated at AGC Interpane’s facility in Plattling, Germany, where ClearVue’s Gen 3 Vision Glass was cleaned, coated and tested using the same production line and settings as conventional float glass. No changes were required to the coating process.

The result confirms that energy-generating glazing does not need to sit outside the systems already used by the commercial glass industry. It can be specified, coated and processed in much the same way as conventional architectural glass, while also contributing renewable energy to the building.

ClearVue Chief Executive Officer Doug Hunt said the development made it easier for the façade industry to adopt energy-generating glazing without changing the way projects are already designed and delivered.

“For energy-generating glass to become widely used, it needs to fit within the systems the industry already understands and trusts,” Hunt said. “Architects and engineers can continue specifying the performance they need, while glass processors can use their existing production infrastructure. The difference is that the glass can now also generate clean energy for the building.

“This removes a practical barrier for the industry. It means energy-generating glass can be considered alongside conventional façade products, rather than requiring an entirely separate design or manufacturing process. This is an important step in moving energy-generating façades from a specialist product towards standard commercial practice.”

The breakthrough is enabled by applying the coating to Surface 4 of the glazing unit, where it provides the strongest reduction in solar heat gain.

The video below shows the glass going through the new coating process.

For more information on the Gen 3 Vision Glass process, visit the ClearVue website.

Top image caption: ClearVue’s Gen 3 Vision Glass being washed and coated with Soft Low-E Coating at the AGC Interpane Factory in Germany. Image: Supplied