New Energy Technologies, developer of see-through SolarWindow coatings capable of generating electricity on glass and flexible plastics, recently released first-ever power modeling estimates of its SolarWindow prototype modules.
Engineers estimate that SolarWindow modules could conservatively produce at least ten times the electrical energy of conventional rooftop PV systems, and in some instances, exceed power performance by as much as 50-fold. SolarWindow modules could also eliminate the equivalent CO2 emissions produced by vehicles driving more than 2 million miles per year.
Recently, New Energy’s largest, high-performance SolarWindow module set a new “certified” record for generating electricity while remaining see-through; the SolarWindow prototype produced over 50% greater power than prior attempts publicized by others of comparable organic photovoltaic (OPV) prototype device architecture, size and design.
Using the independently tested and certified power production data for its SolarWindow modules from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), New Energy engineers have since developed a model for estimating the amount of electrical energy and environmental benefits SolarWindow prototype modules may provide.
By way of illustration, the company model estimates show that when installed on all four sides of a 50-story building in:
- Phoenix, Ariz. – SolarWindow modules could generate enough electricity to power 130 homes each year.
- Amarillo, Texas – SolarWindow modules could provide the equivalent of avoiding the CO2 emissions produced by vehicles driving over 2.2 million miles each year.
- Miami, Fla. – SolarWindow modules could generate over 1.3 million kWh of energy.
- Denver, Colo. – SolarWindow modules could provide the equivalent reductions in CO2 emissions produced by as much as 770 acres of forest sequestering CO2.
(New Energy’s summary estimates are rounded. View actual model estimates here.)
“High power output and meaningful environmental benefits are among the most important drivers for our potential commercial customers, strategic partners, and end consumers,” says John Conklin, president and CEO of New Energy Technologies. “Our decision to pursue vast glass surfaces on buildings to create environmentally friendly energy producing power plants shows its benefits in our latest modeled estimates.”
The modeled estimates were developed exclusively by New Energy Technologies’ engineers and researchers. The company’s internal teams modeled their calculations based on results of independent testing and certification of its SolarWindow high-performance modules by the NREL Device Performance Measurement Laboratory.
SolarWindow is currently under development for eventual commercial deployment in the estimated 80 million detached homes in America and more than five million commercial buildings. The technology is the subject of 42 patent filings, and researchers are on track to advance SolarWindow towards full-scale commercial manufacturability.
Want more? Try these articles:
New Energy’s SolarWindowT Technology Sets New Record
SolarWindow Generates Electricity On See-Through Glass