I've been hearing about this for years. The fact that it never materialized is a sign that it probably doesn't make sense economically.
Doesn’t make sense economically/for big corporations.
This is awesome. I want em.
Such a solarpunk vibe for everything inside to be tinged orange from your windows power generation. Absolute shame that this isn't really that useful just cool. No way a house with these would generate significant power
It wouldn't really need to generate "significant" power. At least, not in terms of whole-home power. Something like this could easily generate and store enough power for an auxiliary system, something like overnight lighting. Basically the same principle as those solar lawn lamps, but for inside. Wire 'em all to a battery and a bunch of lights and light/motion sensors throughout the home, and you've got automatic nightlights that work even when the power's out.
Yeah exactly, not increadibly useful nothing groundbreaking but a very cool toy
I figure the key would be finding a way to make these cost less (including upkeep/replacement over time) than the marginal energy generation capabilities.
On that note, I'm sure there's a reason besides "everyone else is too stupid to think of it" but I wonder why solar window shutters aren't a thing.
Since usually sun is up, panels on roof more efficient, solar panel window or panel on shutter is like panel on wall but worse because window and shutter can open and close. When panel on wall will make sense then maybe window and shutter will appear. I have the ability of more eloquence, but why many word when few word do trick?
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