ClearVue’s Gen3 Solar Glass Achieves 66% More Energy Output at Reduced Costs
ClearVue Technologies, a solar glass manufacturer based in Perth, has introduced a next-generation prototype that boasts a remarkable 66 per cent increase in energy generation while also significantly reducing production costs and complexity.
Last week, ClearVue announced the successful prototyping, trial manufacturing, and independent validation of its Gen3 Solar Vision Glass by SERIS, a research institute affiliated with the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Impressive Energy Output
The Gen3 design has shown the ability to generate over 50 Watts per square metre, representing a 66 per cent boost in energy output compared to ClearVue’s earlier solar glass models. This enhancement in performance is coupled with notable advancements in production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Streamlined Production Process
One of the key improvements includes a reduction in processing time for double-glazed solar glass units, which has been slashed from approximately five minutes to just two minutes. ClearVue anticipates that this efficiency will facilitate scalable manufacturing at significantly lower costs.
Additionally, the engineering of each unit has been optimised, reducing the number of required components from 17 to just 7. This change not only minimises silicon waste but also eliminates the need for aluminium and several other raw materials used in previous versions, leading to a substantial decrease in embedded carbon.
Flexibility for Global Markets
ClearVue aims to leverage these improvements to offer greater flexibility in the global market. The solar glass can be produced as single, double, or triple glazing, or even with integrated LandVac Vacuum Glass, and can be manufactured in various sizes and thicknesses. A selection of reflective and spectrally selective coating options is also available to meet diverse thermal performance and aesthetic requirements.
Douglas Hunt, ClearVue’s managing director and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the advancements achieved with the Gen3 Solar Vision Glass and the positive results from SERIS testing, highlighting the significant performance enhancements.
“Over the past year, our team has been dedicated to reengineering our Solar Vision Glass. We have improved product performance, streamlined components, enhanced solar technologies, and increased customisability and manufacturability,” Hunt stated.
He further noted that trial manufacturing has demonstrated faster and more cost-effective production due to the streamlined engineering process. These innovations are expected to help customers reduce their building’s operational energy use while also shortening payback periods.
Looking Ahead
ClearVue anticipates that full certification testing for its third-generation solar glass will commence in the fourth quarter, taking approximately six months to complete. Hunt believes that once certified, the product will be quickly integrated into commercial proposals.
