California-based NEXT Energy Technologies announced the demonstration of a prototype installation of "transparent solar window walls" at the headquarters of its manufacturing and glazing partner Walters & Wolf in Fremont.

The installation utilizes NEXT's advanced transparent PV coating technology. Proprietary, earth-abundant, and low-cost organic semiconducting materials are coated onto glass in a high-speed, low-cost, and low energy consumption process. This technology transforms commercial windows into energy-producing solar panels by converting unwanted infrared and UV light into electricity to power buildings while remaining transparent to human eyes.

Photo: NEXT Energy Technologies

The wall presents the power-generation functionality, transparency and aesthetics, and the seamless integration of NEXT's transparent solar coating into a standard window-glazing system.

According to the company, these coatings are applied to traditional commercial windows during the fabrication process, integrating with existing manufacturers without disrupting established workflows and supply chains. This merit brings out a capital-efficient business model that reduces risks to customers and removes barriers to adoption while adding value.

In 2021, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved the 2022 California Energy Code, requiring builders to include solar photovoltaic and battery storage in many new commercial structures and high-rise residential projects.

A study by Architecture 2030 reveals that buildings account for 40% of annual global C02 emissions, of which 28% is a direct result of building operations. However, traditional solar systems and projects alone cannot effectively realize the ambitious climate and clean energy goals.

NEXT's transparent solar windows contribute a creative and cost-effective approach to generating clean energy in cities.

"Such investments drive innovation and entrepreneurship to help meet California's climate and clean energy goals," commented David Hochschild, Chair of the California Energy Commission.

This prototype installation was created in collaboration with NEXT, Walters & Wolf, and commercial glass fabricator Glassfab Tempering Services. The installation is the second of its kind in the world and the first in the US. Its corresponding demo wall is at the Bouygues Construction company headquarters in Paris.