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Solar windows could harvest energy from sun and indoor light (www.ucl.ac.uk)
submitted 1 month ago by to c/science@lemmy.world
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[–] 37 points 1 month ago (9 children)

I've been hearing about this for years. The fact that it never materialized is a sign that it probably doesn't make sense economically.

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  • [–] 10 points 1 month ago (3 children)

    Boston’s logan airport has them in the newest terminal.

    They work, but scatter light in a weird way and heat up the space dramatically. Granted that these are floor to ceiling 2 story windows, might have been hot either way, but can’t have reflective coating with solar.

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  • [–] 15 points 1 month ago (3 children)

    Or because people want windows to let light into their homes?

    Solar panels make sense on roofs, not windows

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  • [–] 10 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    I’ve seen a large installation in person and they light plenty of light in, but aren’t quite clear so you can’t really enjoy the view out as you would with a normal window.

    They would make good skylights in an office situation when you want natural light but don’t need to see out of them.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    I sorta was thinking there are only so many windows in my place that we really look out for the view. talked to my wife and we agreed that we would be fine with a less than clear view for everything in our place outside of the balcony and the master bedroom.

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