Next Energy Technologies Produces Fully Transparent Organic PV Window
Next Energy Technologies has reached a major milestone by upgrading its pilot production line to produce 40-inch by 60-inch transparent, power-generating windows using its innovative Next transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) coating and manufacturing process. This breakthrough brings the glass industry closer to producing large-scale vision area glass panels for clean, solar energy-generating facades.
The Next OPV coatings tackle key challenges in the commercial glass industry, delivering high-quality aesthetics, impressive performance, and scalable manufacturability. With a neutral grey coating that matches popular colors in North American commercial facades, coupled with power generation capabilities and compatibility with in-line manufacturing, Next Energy’s solution is designed to revolutionize the glass and building industries.
“The combination of highest quality aesthetics, power generation and integration with the glass supply chain is a game changer in the push towards designing net zero buildings,” says Andy Cohen, Gensler co-chairman. “Just mid-last year, we were demonstrating Next’s 27-inch by 35-inch OPV windows at our office in LA, and with this larger window format, we have sustainable building projects in our sights.”
Advancing Sustainable Building Design
Next Energy’s transparent OPV windows are poised to transform commercial buildings by integrating clean energy solutions into their facades. These windows generate renewable energy by absorbing and converting infrared light, significantly reducing HVAC demands and offsetting 20% to 25% of a typical commercial building’s energy load.
By leveraging this innovative technology, buildings can become more sustainable and resilient, reducing their dependence on the energy grid while contributing to climate goals.
“This milestone is further evidence to an industry hungry for a solution that our combination of OPV coatings and advanced manufacturing processing is working, scaling and can be rapidly deployed,” says Daniel Emmett, co-founder, executive chairman and CEO of Next. “It’s a proof point that builds high confidence in our path to enabling 60-inch by 120-inch commercial production.”
Scaling Up for the Future
Next Energy is now preparing demonstration installations with key partners in the U.S. and Europe as it transitions from pilot production to large-scale manufacturing. The company is also working to achieve UL safety and performance certification for grid-connected projects, which will pave the way for broader adoption.
The larger window format represents a significant leap forward from previous 27-inch by 35-inch OPV windows demonstrated in LA. With its sights set on 60-inch by 120-inch commercial production, Next Energy is well-positioned to provide sustainable solutions for the future of building design.
Reshaping the Building Industry
Next’s transparent OPV technology is a groundbreaking step toward achieving net-zero buildings, enabling the construction of energy-efficient facades that combine style and sustainability. These windows not only generate renewable power but also integrate seamlessly with the current glass supply chain, making them a practical solution for the commercial glass industry.
Next Energy’s innovation is proof that clean energy technologies can scale rapidly and transform industries while meeting the growing demand for sustainability.
