Air Products and Konarka have been selected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to conduct research and development on transparent solar modules. The products could be used in building applications and windows. The $4.7 million award is from the NIST Advanced Technology Program, which has the goal of furthering new technology by U.S. Companies.
The result of this research could be windows that control light transmission, save energy, and produce electricity to power household items. I could not say it better than the press release:
The technology will be suitable for use in windows capable of controlling transparency for privacy, regulating the wavelength of light passing through for energy conservation, and for aesthetics. Since the materials are capable of harvesting indoor as well as outdoor light, the solar modules can be integrated into building sensors, battery chargers, lighting and displays, and wireless security monitoring systems.
Air Products is a NYSE traded company under the symbol APD. They specialize in offering industrial gases and specialty chemical products.
Konarka makes Power Plastic® that converts light to energy. They are a private company with venture capital investors. They hold numerous licenses and patents concerning their products.
I believe this is the type of advanced technology that will be a tremendous benefit towards energy efficient homes and buildings. And it will be great to have the garage door opener powered by the bathroom windows!
Source: Cleantech.com
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