Energy Efficient Glass

By Swati Garg  on 28 June 2009
 
 

Do you know roofs and walls of your buildings can generate electricity? Gone are the days when glass was used as a building material that only provided a view and kept the weather. Glass & glazing products are now available as active elements that contribute to a building’s  energy & environmental concerns.

Building integrated solar photovoltaic (BIPV) uses a technology called photovoltaic. Photovoltaic (PV) is the process of converting sunlight into energy which is very similar to natural process of photosynthesis. The difference is that PV uses solar control glasses instead of leaves to trap the solar energy in form of photons. Trapped photons lead to excitation of electrons. The excited electrons exit the solar glass panel through connecting wires. Thus electricity is generated.

Advantages of using energy efficient  (solar control glass ) are:
1) It helps conserve raw materials such as coal and oil which are used in                              commercial power plants to generate electricity.
2) It acts as a heat insulator in homes and offices.
3) It protects against harmful UV rays.
4) It looks beautiful and enhances the building’s aesthetics.
5) It even acts as generator, storing energy for future use.
6) It saves costs associated with conventional building materials like granite, marble, concrete etc.

          

              Light transmission in  Glass            Light Transmission in Solar Control Glass

 

Thus solar  control glass is an innovative and a high –tech product which allows sunlight to pass through a window or facade while radiating & reflecting away a large degree of sun’s heat. The indoor space stays bright and much cooler than if ordinary glass were used. In other words it cools the building without warming the planet. It is widely used as roofing, skylights, rain screens or curtain walls.It provides comfort and aesthetics. 


 

 



 

 

 

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