2024-08-16 21:30:20
inQs photovoltaic glass
Unveiled at CES 2024, inQs’ SQPV has been described as the “world’s most advanced and efficient transparent solar glass.” It is made by sandwiching nanomaterials of various types between two 2mm sheets of conductive glass. It can capture energy on both sides of the glass and, thanks to the use of infrared light, works even on cloudy days and indoors.
In addition, it reduces the increase in interior temperature by up to 44%, a thermal insulation effect that helps save energy while generating it.
Paradoxically, the first real-world use of SQPV is a greenhouse. Tokyo’s Kaijō High School installed a greenhouse with windows made of inQs transparent solar panels. The purpose of this collaboration is to inspire students with technology, especially technology that helps reduce our carbon footprint.
“The inside of the product itself, everything inside it is made from very, very easy to find materials,” inQs international director Rike Wootten told CNET. “There are no metals, no rare earths, and the panel itself can be easily and safely recycled as opposed to conventional solar panels, which can be difficult to recycle because of the materials they use.”
What we don’t know, because inQs has not revealed it despite winning an innovation award at CES 2024, is the electrical power and energy efficiency of its product, basic data to compare its performance with conventional solar panels. Whatever the case, inQs is already producing the SQPV in its factory.