CEATEC 3N solar film on curved glass. (Image via Tim Hornyak)
Almost every engineer I have ever met came up with this idea; a photovoltaic, solar, film that can be placed on window glass. However, for most of the people I know, financial constraints keep their ideas at bay. Luckily, mega-corp 3M had the time and money to make the idea come to fruition.
At the CEATEC, Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies, in Tokyo Japan, 3M unveiled the solar film which they called a "window transformative." The film is being pedaled as not only a solar generator but as an efficient heat-blocker absorbing 90% of infrared light, and also as a way to protect the glass from shattering. The film is glues to windows in large patches, like a giant sticker, and can even be placed on curved surfaces. 3M is also stating that anyone can install the solar film.
When it comes down to the true purpose of the film, solar-energy generation, it is a bit of a letdown. At peak performance, the film only generates 20% of the energy a regular solar-cell can output. At the CEATEC event, 3M said that 1 square meter of the material can charge a cell phone during peak hours.
Although the power output is low, the combined power output of a high rise covered in the film would be substantial. It is truly a step in the right direction. Now I get to hear all my associates say, "I had that idea."
Cabe
