See the Future: Energy-Producing Windows Promise to Redefine Buildings

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — A transformative new product developed by Santa Barbara-based NEXT Energy Technologies Inc.™ enables windows to harvest solar energy, a breakthrough that promises to yield significant environmental benefits and revolutionize commercial building design for decades to come.

“It is certainly not an overstatement to describe this technology as a game-changer with far-reaching implications for architecture and buildings of the future,” said Daniel Emmett, CEO and co-founder of NEXT Energy Tech.

“We foresee a time in the near future when buildings are conceived and valued as much for their energy-generation potential as for the commerce that occurs within their walls.”

NEXT Energy Tech’s transparent solar coatings, which can be easily applied to windows of all types during production, are the result of breakthrough organic photovoltaic materials that are printed in a high-speed, low-cost process. The printing technique is readily scalable for widespread use by large commercial window firms.

NEXT Energy Tech’s coatings provide an unmatched combination of transparency, efficiency, durability and cost. NEXT Energy Tech recently debuted its technology at Intersolar Europe in Munich, Germany and is currently in discussions with several window manufacturers about launching this game-changing technology into the market.

Buildings Will Power Themselves

Emmett estimates that a building sheathed in NEXT-powered windows could produce a significant percent of its energy needs and ultimately enable zero net energy buildings. This would constitute a dramatic reversal, as buildings today consume over 40 percent of global energy.

“NEXT provides the compelling combination of exceptional aesthetics, cost-effectiveness and performance that can deliver real value to building owners and tenants alike,” he said.

“What’s more, the windows look like conventional windows and can be provided in a range of color and light transmission options.” To date NEXT has achieved over 10% efficient devices, has demonstrated feasibility of 30 year lifetimes, and expects to have initial product specifications ranges of 7-10% efficiency and 50%-10% visible light transmission.

“NEXT’s product can contribute to a paradigm shift in the power-economics and climate impact of the built environment,” said Andy Cohen, Co-CEO of global design firm Gensler and NEXT Board member.

“This is what architects have been looking for – an elegant and cost effective solution to help architects meet Zero Net Energy and sustainability goals for the next generation of high performance buildings.