Stephanie on March 1st, 2012

Recently, one of the most exciting developments in solar technology allows for see through solar power.  Invisible solar cells for windows could allow homeowners to switch to solar without the hassle of obtaining building permits and/or approval from homeowners associations. Researchers have helped bring us one step closer to this type of building integrated photovoltaics [...]

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Stephanie on October 10th, 2011

For the past several years, we’ve been blogging about rooftop solar shingles.  As an alternative to bulky PV panels, solar power shingles blend in, while generating cheap solar power.  Its a perfect example of building integrated photovoltaics. Finally this month – October 2011 – Dow Corning’s Powerhouse Solar Shingles are finally available for homeowners.  The [...]

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Stephanie on August 8th, 2011

For people who want to switch to solar power, but are worried about the cost and appearance of solar panels, building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) may be the answer!  Expense aside, many homeowners do not want to impact the aesthetics of their property and – perhaps even worse – some homeowners associations prohibit solar panels because [...]

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Stephanie on July 20th, 2011

Building integrated photovoltaics (or BIPV) is one of the hottest trends for solar power.  For property owners looking to generate solar energy on site, but not willing to impact the aesthetic appearance of their home or building, solar panes that are incorporated right into the building design are the way to go. As shown above, [...]

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We love the idea of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), yet beyond solar shingles or solar windows, what can you really do to integrate solar electricity generating building materials into your home? Consider these solar panels that double as skylights, developed by Architect Gerald Choi.  Personally, Choi needed to update some skylights in his home, but [...]

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Stephanie on March 24th, 2011

Exciting news in the world of building integrated photovoltaics!  Solar windows will be installed on Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower) to generate clean solar electricity and reduce the operating costs of the building. Recently, Pythagoras Solar, announced that it has been chosen to collaborate on a pilot project to help Willis Tower realize [...]

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Stephanie on December 9th, 2010

Concentrated solar power is a technology for generating utility scale solar power.  But Syracuse’s Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE) is showing that it can also be building integrated and used on a smaller, direct generation scale. At SyracuseCo, the building itself is a LEED-platinum-certified, 55,000 square-foot building that serves as a testing [...]

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Stephanie on January 12th, 2010

One of the most promising new technologies in building-integrated photovoltaics may be see-through solar film for windows. New Energy Technologies announced yesterday that its researchers developed a new, patent-pending process for spray on solar cells.  When applied to glass, the innovation transforms it into a “Solarwindow,” providing a unique way to tap into solar energy [...]

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Stephanie on September 30th, 2009

Have you dreamed about solar energy to power your home?  Do you want to start generating free solar power and enjoy reduced electricity bills?  Those large solar panels that are becoming commonplace on rooftops are not your only option.  You can indeed have home solar energy without solar panels. That’s right.  Building-integrated photovoltaics is the [...]

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