Largest Transparent Solar Windows Unveiled by Next Energy
Eindhoven, Tuesday, 18 February 2025.
Next Energy introduces the world’s largest transparent windows embedded with organic solar cells, effectively generating energy while maintaining aesthetics, aiming to revolutionize sustainable building design.
Groundbreaking Innovation in California
Next Energy Technologies, based in Santa Barbara, California, has achieved a significant milestone by upgrading their pilot production line on February 11, 2025, to manufacture the world’s largest transparent power-generating windows [1][3]. The innovative windows, measuring 40 by 60 inches (approximately 1.5 by 1 meter), utilize organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology and represent a major step forward in sustainable building solutions [1][2].
Technical Capabilities and Benefits
These revolutionary windows can offset between 20% to 25% of a typical commercial building’s energy consumption [3]. The technology employs a neutral grey coating that matches common North American commercial facades while incorporating power generation capabilities [2]. Beyond electricity generation, the windows provide additional benefits by absorbing and converting infrared light, which helps reduce heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) demands [1][2][4].
Industry Recognition and Implementation
The innovation has garnered attention from major industry players, with Andy Cohen, co-chairman of architecture group Gensler, describing it as a ‘game changer in the push toward designing net-zero buildings’ [2][4]. Next Energy is currently preparing demonstration installations with key U.S. and European partners while working toward obtaining UL safety and performance certification for grid-connected projects [2].
Manufacturing and Future Prospects
The company’s manufacturing process integrates seamlessly with existing glass production lines, utilizing automated coating techniques to apply OPV directly to glass surfaces [1]. According to CEO Daniel Emmett, this milestone demonstrates that their combination of OPV coatings and advanced manufacturing processes is ‘working, scaling and can be rapidly deployed’ [2][4]. The company is now focusing on transitioning from pilot to full-scale production, with aims to enable 60 x 120-inch commercial production in the future [2].