Australian Photovoltaic Glass

Onyx Solar's photovoltaic glass, one of the first types available in Australia, was recently named the most innovative glass product of 2015 by the National Glass Association in the USA. A number of companies and researchers in Australia are also exploring the integration of solar technology into other products such as paint and steel.

Photovoltaic glass was used on the facade of Onyx Solar's headquarters in Avila, Spain. Around 32% of the building's energy needs are met through the solar energy created.

Versatile building-integrated solar energy generating glass is gaining popularity in Australia and providing architects with more flexibility when they're designing sustainable buildings. Building-integrated photovoltaic glass from Onyx Solar can be used to create walkable floors and roofs, skylights, facades, windows and brise soleils.

Building-integrated photovoltaic glass from Onyx Solar can be used to create walkable floors and roofs, skylights, facades, windows and brise soleils. The solar glass panels are designed to replace conventional building materials in new buildings to increase sustainability, and they can also be used to retrofit existing buildings.

This technology–called Photovoltaic Glass Unit (PVGU) technology–is a transparent solar panel using standard monocrystalline PV cells that works with the sun, generating power for the building in question while simultaneously reducing the need for electricity for heating, cooling, and artificial lighting.

ASX-listed ClearVue Technologies has announced a manufacturing breakthrough that could produce its new generation of solar glass 92 per cent faster than previous methods and deliver “substantial” cost savings.