NREL Research Proves Switchable Solar Window Works, Now Focus Moves to Making it Work Better
January 21, 2019 | back to news
NREL Researcher Lance Wheeler (left) holds a sample of the SwitchGlaze technology alongside Robert Tenent, the laboratory's program lead for window technology. Source: NREL
A year after Lance Wheeler attracted international attention for his research detailing a window that could both darken and generate electricity, he's starting over almost from scratch.
"Our way was the easiest to get to the goal of making a switchable energy-generating window," said Wheeler, a research scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). "Now, we're stepping back to determine the best way to do this - instead of the easiest or most convenient way."
As lead author of a paper published in Nature Communications titled "Switchable Photovoltaic Windows Enabled by Reversible Photothermal Complex Dissociation from Methylammonium Lead Iodide" Wheeler found himself answering questions from reporters from Canada to Norway and many points in between. Everyone wanted to know: When will this product reach the market?
But what works in a laboratory isn't immediately ready for sale. Understanding that, DOE's Building Technologies Office is providing three years of funding for Wheeler and his newly constituted team to perfect the technology behind the window.
"The laboratory is transforming energy through research and development on innovative technologies like this one," said Johney Green, NREL's associate laboratory director for Mechanical and Thermal Engineering Sciences. "Our world-class researchers and facilities enable us to catalyze cutting-edge innovations that have the potential to reduce energy use and costs while reducing industry risk for new technology investment."
Read full story
Source: NREL
"Our way was the easiest to get to the goal of making a switchable energy-generating window," said Wheeler, a research scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). "Now, we're stepping back to determine the best way to do this - instead of the easiest or most convenient way."
As lead author of a paper published in Nature Communications titled "Switchable Photovoltaic Windows Enabled by Reversible Photothermal Complex Dissociation from Methylammonium Lead Iodide" Wheeler found himself answering questions from reporters from Canada to Norway and many points in between. Everyone wanted to know: When will this product reach the market?
But what works in a laboratory isn't immediately ready for sale. Understanding that, DOE's Building Technologies Office is providing three years of funding for Wheeler and his newly constituted team to perfect the technology behind the window.
"The laboratory is transforming energy through research and development on innovative technologies like this one," said Johney Green, NREL's associate laboratory director for Mechanical and Thermal Engineering Sciences. "Our world-class researchers and facilities enable us to catalyze cutting-edge innovations that have the potential to reduce energy use and costs while reducing industry risk for new technology investment."
Read full story
Source: NREL
    |