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Firm sets out plans for spray-on solar window technology

Researchers tested a small prototype of the SolarWindow technology in Florida back in September

The developer of a special spray-on coating that can turn windows into see-through solar panels has laid out its plans to commercialize the “SolarWindow” technology.

Maryland-based New Energy Technologies, Inc., demonstrated the technology in Florida back in September with a small-scale working prototype (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

Today the company released details on how it will accelerate development to bring the technology to market.

Over the next year it will work to improve solar cell efficiency and performance, increase the transparency of coated glass surfaces and improve the durability of the system to ensure long-term performance.

As it works to scale-up its current prototype system, New Energy intends to develop low-cost manufacturing methods, although it has already indicated that the application of the coating to glass can be carried out at room temperatures, with existing commercially-available equipment.

The company will also seek more patents to protect its intellectual property, secure third-party certification of the SolarWindow module performance and pursue commercial partnerships.

“Significant efforts”

John A. Conklin, President & CEO of New Energy Technologies, Inc., said: “In upcoming quarters and the year ahead, we anticipate undertaking significant efforts to accelerate our SolarWindow towards commercialization.

“Our priorities include the development of additional patent protection, improved manufacturability, increased power production, advanced power output modeling, and attracting management-level talent able to help advance our breakthrough technology from the research-bench to commercial market,” explained Mr. Conklin.

New Energy Technology’s patent-pending process allows energy to be generated from natural and artificial light.

It uses some of the world’s smallest functional solar cells, which measure a quarter the size of a grain of rice.

The company suggests its SolarWindow technology would turn otherwise passive window panes into solar power-generating panels on five million commercial buildings and 80 million detached homes across America.

Claims are that the technology would outperform conventional rooftop solar installations by more than 300% when applied to facades of commercial towers.

Mr Conklin said: “Our demonstration of SolarWindow’s ability to generate both current and voltage on glass surfaces, while remaining see-through, is an incredible technical achievement and marks a pivotal maturation point for New Energy, where we have transitioned from early research towards product development, and eventual commercial launch.”