3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels

nsaspook
nsaspook Solar Expert Posts: 396 ✭✭✭
in Solar Product Reviews & Opinions #1
http://www.itworld.com/hardware/210279/3m-film-turns-windows-transparent-solar-panels
The product currently generates only about 20 percent of the electricity that a traditional silicon solar panel does, and will cost about half as much, though the final price has not been decided.

80% less for only half the price?
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  • tallgirl
    tallgirl Solar Expert Posts: 413 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels
    nsaspook wrote: »
    http://www.itworld.com/hardware/210279/3m-film-turns-windows-transparent-solar-panels

    80% less for only half the price?

    No. It's a transparent solar film you can apply to windows, which previously could not be used to collect solar power.

    Apples and oranges.
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  • Solar Guppy
    Solar Guppy Solar Expert Posts: 1,989 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels

    Be fun to see the code complaint electrical connections to the film ...
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels

    Considering that one of the biggest problems with solar is the low efficiency of the existing panels, is there really any sense in making a new technology that's a fraction as efficient as what is already available? For one thing, windows tend not to point at the sun, no matter what latitude you're at. It's like amorphous vs. monocrystaline. If the cost were < $0.50 per Watt, maybe. But I doubt it would be.

    Sounds like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
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  • solar_dave
    solar_dave Solar Expert Posts: 2,397 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels

    If priced right, one place this might play is those huge monolithic skyscraper of all glass exterior.
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  • tallgirl
    tallgirl Solar Expert Posts: 413 ✭✭
    #6
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels
    solar_dave wrote: »
    If priced right, one place this might play is those huge monolithic skyscraper of all glass exterior.

    The applications are huge. Anywhere that sunlight has to pass through is a potential candidate.
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  • Sparkletron
    Sparkletron Solar Expert Posts: 71 ✭✭✭✭
    #7
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels

    If this is anything like the other films that 3M makes, then it will likely reflect the UV light it doesn't convert (lowering cooling costs) and make the glass shatter-proof as well.
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  • techntrek
    techntrek Solar Expert Posts: 1,372 ✭✭✭
    #8
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels

    "If priced right, one place this might play is those huge monolithic skyscraper of all glass exterior."

    Bingo.
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  • Solar Guppy
    Solar Guppy Solar Expert Posts: 1,989 ✭✭✭
    #9
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels

    How exactly will the films be wired to NEC code? and what is to protect someone from touching the film which could be at > 500VDC?
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #10
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels
    Solar Guppy wrote: »
    ....and what is to protect someone from touching the film which could be at > 500VDC?

    Apparently, your mother never made you wash the windows :D
    (If you don't touch them, they don't get dirty on the inside)
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  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #11
    Re: 3M film turns windows into transparent solar panels

    "The solar film, ...., is arrayed in narrow, translucent green strips with clear gaps between and then glued to windows in large patches. ...

    "An average person could go to the store, buy some of this, and then bring it home and install it themselves," said Yasuhiro Aoyagi, a senior manager in the company's construction markets division.

    "attached to the outside of a window

    ".....a square meter of the material can generate about 5 volts at 7 watts under peak conditions, and can operate under far less sunlight than it takes to power a conventional panel, so it will be active for more of the day."

    sounds like it will be prebuilt in an array, dependent on the location (window size), but smaller amounts can be bought/used by the average person...??

    have to assume that "array" will mean it is NEC approved for large installs.

    500 volts = 500square meters =~ 550 square yards = a very large building
     
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