DailyTech - Sharp Debuts Rimless, Semi-transparent Solar Cells for Builders

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Science Sharp Debuts Rimless, Semi-transparent Solar Cells for Builders
Jason Mick (Blog) - September 26, 2012 2:42 PM

37 comment(s) - last by Keeir.. on Oct 25 at 9:01 PM

Now your architectural glass can produce power

Sharp Corp. (TYO:6753) announced in a press release a semi-transparent black architectural glass panel that has build in photovoltaic generation (aka solar power) capabilities.

The panel is 4.5-ft. x 3.2ft -- about the size of a glass coffee table. It is a slender 0.37 in. thick. Sharp brags the panel is "beautifully in harmony with the building".

The panel is laminated glass infused with semi-transparent thin film solar cells. The cells both generate power and act as a natural insulator serving as a heat barrier. Plus their black color could offer an extra degree of privacy to residents in buildings with the panels.

The panel can produce up to 95 watts at 6.8 percent efficiency [source] -- not great, but okay when you consider its multi-utility (construction, privacy, insulation, and generation).

_{An artist's depiction of a building equipped with the special glass panels. [Image Source: Sharp Japan]}

The panel will start shipping in Japan on Oct. 1, but no U.S. date has been announced. Also not announced was one critical metric -- pricing in Japan.

Sources: Sharp [translated], CNET

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RE: Worth ANY upcharge?

By aurareturn on 9/26/2012 3:19:43 PM , Rating: -1

Ah yes... the skeptic/hater/devil's advocate... sighting with every new technology announcement.

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RE: Worth ANY upcharge?

By Breathless on 9/26/2012 3:22:19 PM , Rating: 2

His question is actually legitimate

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RE: Worth ANY upcharge?

By autoboy on 9/26/2012 6:32:46 PM , Rating: 3

Agree his question is legit. Especially when you see the extremely sub optimal placement as the railing of a building. My panels only produce meaningful electricity when the sun is hitting them pretty square. On their edge you would get very poor use out of these panels. Plus, you have to run electrical wiring to all those panels and you'll need additional electronics to convert the DC to AC current.

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