ClearVue Technologies’ solar facade solutions have demonstrated the potential for payback in under three years. A trial installation showed that the products can significantly reduce building energy requirements. ClearVue Technologies is an Australian company specialising in integrating solar technology into building materials, specifically glass. Its innovative glazing solutions aim to generate renewable energy and improve building efficiency.
The trial, conducted in Hong Kong over twelve months, assessed the performance of ClearVue’s vision glass photovoltaic (PV) glazing technology in a real-world setting. The trial measured energy generation, thermal performance, and overall impact on building energy efficiency. Hong Kong’s Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) tested the technology in a sample of 40-storey buildings, comparing it to specialised insulated glass units (IGUs) and LandVac vacuum-insulation technology.
The results indicated that ClearVue’s glazing technology could offset between 74% and 125% of a building’s energy needs. It also achieved insulation that equated to 7.74 degrees Celsius lower internal surface temperature during peak heat compared to untreated windows. This successful integration with other advanced glazing solutions validated a 4.6-year payback period, which decreased to 2.6 years when factoring in the government’s feed-in tariff (FiT).
ClearVue interim chief executive officer Douglas Hunt stated that the trial results highlight the significant impact solar glazing can have on creating a sustainable build environment. The EMSD will continue to monitor the ClearVue technology for another year, with plans for permanent installation at its headquarters. The company hopes to use these results to drive commercial opportunities across Asia, particularly in Hong Kong.
