NEXT Energy Technologies Inc., makers of a proprietary transparent photovoltaic (PV) coating that transforms commercial windows into energy-producing solar panels, announced the delivery of a PV prototype window wall to Bouygues Construction in Paris. Bouygues is a construction firm that specializes in complex commercial projects around the globe.
The prototype was delivered by NEXT in collaboration with its partners, Walters & Wolf, a commercial curtainwall manufacturer and glazing subcontractor headquartered in Fremont, Calif., and commercial glass fabricator, Glassfab Tempering Services/Solarfab in Tracy, Calif.
“NEXT’s technology is both unique and promising. We’re proud to support their collaboration with Bouygues Construction and will continue to work side by side with them in bringing their product to market,” said Nick Kocelj, president of Walters & Wolf.
“We support NEXT Energy in their focused effort in providing a unique and innovative product to the architectural market. When presented the opportunity to participate in this project, we were eager to assist in any way possible,” said Brian Frea, president of Glassfab Tempering Services/ Solarfab.
NEXT’s proprietary transparent photovoltaic coating transforms commercial windows into energy-producing solar panels by converting unwanted infrared and UV light into electricity. This system can help enable buildings to power themselves with their windows which retain their traditional transparency and performance, according to the company.
The prototype installation consists of 10 transparent photovoltaic windows that supply electricity to a battery that powers an interactive display as well as auxiliary charging outlets for phones, tablets and other electronics. The prototype will be used to showcase the power generation functionality, the exceptional transparency and aesthetics, and the seamless integration of NEXT windows into a standard glazing system designed by Walters & Wolf to carry the electronics, wiring and hardware that comprise the balance-of-system, according to the company.
Installed in a typical commercial high-rise office building, the first generation of NEXT windows would offset as much as 10-20% of its power needs, and over a 30-year timeframe, such a building would produce about 20 million kWh of clean power. This would save an average of $170,000 annually on utility bills and reducing 14,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the equivalent of powering 1,700 homes for an entire year, according to the company.
“We are excited to be one of the first global construction companies pioneering NEXT’s revolutionary transparent solar panel windows. This innovation will allow Bouygues Construction to offer its clients a simple, sustainable, and profitable solution for buildings that are autonomous in the management of their energy,” said Christian De Nacquard, R&D and innovation director, Bouygues Bâtiment International.
