Accelerating Commercialization of Advanced Energy Efficient Windows
Clear, Energy Efficient Commercial Building Windows
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc.
Recipient
Redwood City, CA
Recipient Location
13th
Senate District
21st
Assembly District
$2,993,248
Amount Spent
Completed
Project Status
Project Result
In 2023, the project team successfully completed the full scope of the project including testing and reporting of the evaluation and results of the company’s transparent solar 14" x 20" pilot prototype window units, the final report was submitted to the CEC for final review and publication.
During the course of the project the size of window prototypes were scaled from 1-inch by 1-inch size and 6-inch by 6-inch size for the first-generation prototypes to 14-inch by 20-inch size for the second and third generation prototypes. The 14-inch by 20-inch size is consistent with the window industry’s standard size for product testing.
The main objectives that were planned and carried out during the project were to: (1) enable larger size and greater scale production of the transparent PV window prototypes; (2) provide external testing and validation of the transparent PV window prototypes’ energy efficiency, electricity generation, color neutrality, transparency and durability in time-accelerated simulations and field tests; and (3) support the development of processes and procedures to effectively and efficiently produce the window prototypes on a pilot production line through advanced manufacturing research and development.
The result of the project will directly enable the foundational manufacturing development, window prototype fabrication and testing that is required to commercialize the window products in the near future.
The Issue
Although premium low-E windows maximize the rejection of excessive heat from entering a building, it usually does so at an unwanted aesthetic tradeoff as seen in the windows having an undesired pink-purple color tint. Additionally, the solar heat being reflected back into the environment is not being captured as useful energy. To date, there is not a market ready window product that effectively prevents heat from entering the building through the windows, generates renewable energy, and is easily manufactured at an attractive price point.
Project Innovation
This project will scale Ubiquitous Energy's UE PowerTM technology to meet the size requirements and specifications needed for window production. UE PowerTM is a transparent solar coating that, when applied to glass, selectively absorbs and converts non-visible light to electricity while also blocking the infrared light that causes heat gains in buildings. As part of this project, Ubiquitous Energy will demonstrate that the solar coating application can be integrated into a standard glass manufacturing process.
Project Goals
Develop and test three generations of UE’s window prototypes.
Conduct internal and external testing of the UE window prototypes.
Conduct advanced manufacturing R&D to produce UE window prototypes.
Project Benefits
The mass-market commercialization of clear windows that generate renewable energy and premium insulation will provide demonstrable improvements over existing low-E windows currently used in commercial buildings. This will allow California to better design and create zero net energy (ZNE) buildings to meet the state's energy efficiency goals. Furthermore, UE Power's solar generating capabilities would broaden the application and generation of solar energy throughout California.
Affordability
Affordability
The increased insulation and electric generation will lower the operation costs of commercial buildings in California.
Key Project Members
Veeral Hardev
Director of Business Development
Miles Barr
CTO
Ubiquitous Energy
Subrecipients
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Match Partners
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc.
