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Chin Hua Solar Windows Generate Power, Create Privacy

by Caleb Johnson on June 10, 2010 at 06:30 PM

Hua Qin debuts solar glass window at Taipei expo.
A new line of 'green' windows could change the way architects design buildings and houses. According to Engadget, Hua Qin recently unveiled its Chin Hua solar glass window at Taipei's International Optoelectronics Week. The slightly opaque window shown in the picture above can generate about 2 watts of clean energy, which is apparently enough to power a mini-fan. But depending on how opaque you want the window to be, it could become more powerful. Our very unscientific explanation goes like this: the darker the window, the more sunlight it can absorb. For architects, windows like this could heavily influence the layout of an office building or home.

For now, it isn't clear when or if the Chin Hua window will hit Asian markets, let alone make it to U.S. shores. Plus, even if that does happen, you'd have to install solar windows in every room of your house (and maybe build a glass sun room) to make a dent in your power bill. There's another upside, though. If you install these dark windows, you'd also get a little extra privacy and add a mysterious allure to your abode. [From: Engadget]

Tags: architecture, chin hua, ChinHua, Energy, green, greentech, home, hua qin, HuaQin, solar, solar energy, solar power, top

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