ClearVue Beefs Up Solar PV Glass Size

ClearVue sees a future so bright, the guy on the left’s gotta wear shades.

Australia’s ClearVue Technologies Limited has announced it’s now able to produce solar PV glass nearly double its previous largest panel size.

The company says it can manufacture a panel size of up to 2300mm x 1200mm – 2.76 sqm. As for how much power a ClearVue window this size can generate, the first production-quality prototype achieved 52.3W peak power under standard testing conditions¹. However, ClearVue expects the next batch of factory-fabricated window products, currently being readied for production, will generate more than 60W peak power per panel.

Just as some sort of comparison to big conventional solar panels, Longi’s recently launched Longi Hi-MO X 72- cell module measures 2006mm x 994mm – so significantly less area – and has 400W capacity; but it is an apples to oranges comparison.

ClearVue is chuffed with its achievement.

“… the larger panel is a major breakthrough for the Company and significantly opens up our opportunities to engage with architects and engineers seeking an uninterrupted view through the windows they are installing into new-build projects,” said ClearVue Executive Chairman, Victor Rosenberg.

The firm is expecting to commence commercial production of the larger format window in six to eight weeks.

ClearVue Sets Its Sights On South-East Asia

In other recent news from ClearVue, subsidiary ClearVue Asia Pte Ltd has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with Singapore’s Seiko Architectural Wall System Pte Ltd. The two firms will work together to formalize a Manufacturing and Distribution Licence Agreement whereby Seiko Wall will become the exclusive licensee to manufacture and sole licensee (other than ClearVue Asia) to distribute the ClearVue products and technology in Singapore and Malaysia.

Early this month the company announced it had signed an agreement with Singapore’s CSME Power Systems to support ClearVue’s entry into the South-East Asian market. CSME is to establish relationships with local government agencies and businesses, plus provide introductions to and support in local and regional project opportunities.

How does ClearVue’s Solar Glass Work?

A nanoparticle interlayer and spectral-selective coating on the rear external surface enables 70% of visible wavelength light through, but stops much of the heat and unwanted solar radiation (infrared and UV) from penetrating the glass pane. The infrared and UV light (converted to infrared) is redirected to the edge of the Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) where it is harvested by solar cells.

ClearVue solar PV glass is being trialled at Vicinity Centres’ Warwick Grove Shopping Centre; which is situated in Warwick, Western Australia. The atrium project includes 18 windows –  8 panels on the roof, 8 panels on the north front face and 2 partially shaded panels on the east face. You can view that system’s performance in real-time (or close to it) here.