Performance & Sustainability Glass
Solar / BIPV Glass
Solar and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) glass incorporates thin-film or crystalline photovoltaic cells into the glass makeup, allowing the glazing itself to generate electricity while serving as the building envelope.
Key Features
Generates electricity while functioning as facade, skylight, or canopy glazing, available in varying transparency levels to balance power generation with daylighting, and compatible with laminated safety glass construction.
Where This Glass Is Used
Solar facades, canopies, skylights, and net-zero energy building envelopes.
Manufacturing Process
- PV cell integration — Thin-film or crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells are encapsulated between glass lites during the lamination process.
- Transparency configuration — Cell spacing and type are selected to balance power output against desired visible light transmittance.
- Encapsulation & lamination — PV cells are sealed within an EVA or similar encapsulant and laminated under heat and pressure, protecting cells from moisture and impact.
- Electrical integration — Output wiring is integrated into the frame/glazing system for connection to the building's electrical system.
Applications & Use Cases
- Solar Facades & Curtain Walls — Vision or spandrel-area glazing that doubles as an energy-generating building envelope.
- Skylights & Canopies — Overhead glazing that generates power while providing shade and weather protection.
- Net-Zero Energy Buildings — Core envelope component supporting on-site renewable energy generation targets.
- Transit & Infrastructure Canopies — Solar glazing for bus shelters, parking structures, and similar public infrastructure.
Standard Sizes & Specifications
Cell Type | Typical VLT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Thin-film (semi-transparent) | 10–40% | Facade/skylight applications |
Crystalline (spaced cell) | Varies by spacing | Canopy/spandrel applications |
Technical Service
We support your project from drawing review to delivery, not just order fulfillment.
- Drawing & Spec Review — Shop drawings and project specs are reviewed before production to confirm sizes, tolerances, and edge/hole details match your requirements.
- Testing & Documentation — Mill test certificates, thickness/strength test reports, and compliance documentation provided for project submittals.
- Technical Consultation — Our team advises on coating, thickness, and configuration selection to meet your project's structural and energy code requirements.
Customization
- Custom Cut Sizes & Shapes — Curved, notched, cut-corner, and irregular shapes fabricated to your CAD drawings, not limited to standard rectangles.
- Edgework & Drilling — Polished, beveled, or seamed edges, plus precision hole drilling and cutouts for hardware and fittings.
- Coating & Printing Options — Combine with Low-E coating, tinting, or ceramic silkscreen/digital printing on the same order.
Packaging & Shipping
- Export-Grade Crating — Reinforced wooden A-frame or flat crates with edge protection, built for ocean freight handling.
- Container Loading — Load plans optimize container utilization while maintaining safe glass spacing to prevent transit damage.
- Shipping Documentation — Packing lists, certificates of origin, and mill certificates prepared in advance for smooth customs clearance.
- Lead Time — 7days in 12'' sample; 15days in mock up sample; 35days in project order.