An invention that comes from Japan and transforms windows into solar panels thanks to the translucent material.
We have spoken several times about the need to guarantee an energy transition that is also sustainable for the urban environment in which it is located. Having photovoltaic devices that are also pleasing from an aesthetic point of view is not a negligible necessity. Scientists and makers from all over the world are working hard to propose increasingly efficient but also beautiful to look at solutions. And so came the customizable stickers to make total black panels, completely black, more efficient and resistant, or even photovoltaic shutters that produce energy and power air conditioners. But the new technology coming from Japan has an innovative feature: the solar panels are made with a translucent material and can therefore become real window glass, “solar” glass.
High energy efficiency
Unlike traditional solar panels, SQPV (this is the name of the glass) is designed to exploit not only visible light, but the entire light spectrum, including ultraviolet and infrared rays. This allows the panel to generate energy even in artificial lighting conditions or on cloudy days, significantly improving energy efficiency. Additionally, SQPV can capture light from both sides, further optimizing electricity production. Thanks to these characteristics, the solar panel stands out as one of the most efficient in the world. The use of advanced materials, two “sheets” of solar panel encapsulated in a layer of conductive glass, guarantee its ability to generate energy continuously and efficiently. With a visible light transmission rate of 75%, the Japanese manufacturer inQs guarantees optimal natural lighting.
Sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable
This solar glass is also sustainable: it is designed to be durable, recyclable, biodegradable and does not emit greenhouse gases. Its production is based on easily available and environmentally friendly materials. Thanks to its high energy efficiency, SQPV has numerous practical applications. It can replace glass in windows, office facades, homes, vehicles and greenhouses, helping to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. inQs is also testing these glasses in Tokyo’s Kaijō high school, where they have demonstrated not only renewable energy production, but also an improvement in thermal comfort, reducing heating and cooling costs by up to 40%.
