Now a photovoltaic system can replace normal window panes
Harnessing solar energy requires large amounts of space . For villas and single homes it is often not a problem to install photovoltaic systems on the roof, but in many situations, such as condominiums , there is not enough space for a system of this type. It should also be considered that some areas are subject to urban and environmental constraints and the roofs, for a mere aesthetic taste, cannot be covered by photovoltaic panels . A new technology comes into play that can solve this problem: photovoltaic glass .
The idea came to two professors of the Bicocca University of Milan, Francesco Meinardi and Sergio Brovelli , professors of Physics of Matter and Experimental Physics of the Department of Materials Science. Thus, from a collaboration of the University with Management Innovation , a technology consultancy company, Glass To Power , a spin-off company, was born.
The technology uses nanomaterials that applied to windows and glazing make them able to accumulate solar energy with a power of about 50 W per square meter. These optically active nanoparticles are incorporated into plates of plastic light creating Luminescent Solar Concentrators ( LSC ).
What you get is a semi-transparent window which converts sunlight into energy. This technology can also be installed where it was not possible before, obviating landscape constraints or limited space. These technologies have already been implemented in some realities such as in some smart greenhouses in the Piedmont region of the Help2Grow program .
- They are windows, but also solar panels: the innovative and sustainable technology that bypasses the constraints (ohga.it)
