What Are Solar Windows? (2026) | ConsumerAffairs®
Older solar panels typically lack the capability to harness energy during overcast conditions or at night, which can severely limit
A glass-glass-module based on thin toughened glass on the front and back of a solar photovoltaic module can have a dramatic impact on its environmental capabilities. Johann Weixlberger* and Markus Jandl** explain.
Mono-glass panels cost 10–20% less upfront. They are lighter, faster to install, and easier to maintain. Glass-glass panels cost more. Bifacial models and extra glass add to production, shipping, and labor costs. Still, for big, sunny, reflective sites, glass-glass can recover the higher cost with extra generation.
Glass-glass panels add rigidity and better defense against moisture, salt mist, and sand. Some use silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells with bifaciality over 90%. These solar panels, especially with glass-glass design, can last 30+ years. Mono-glass panels cost 10–20% less upfront. They are lighter, faster to install, and easier to maintain.
Unlike PV glass, these solar windows, made by PHYSEE and known as PowerWindows, do not have transparent solar cells. Instead, PowerWindows harness, transform and transport energy from sunlight to the glass edges, framed in angled PV solar cells.
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
Download detailed product specifications, case studies, and technical data for our off-grid PV containers and mobile energy storage solutions.
15 Innovation Drive
Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
+27 87 702 3126
Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM SAST