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Zinsurin t1_j198a45 wrote

Applying this to the windows of sky scrapers would be an amazing use of those spaces and a huge boost to solar energy.

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Tupcek t1_j1co5tg wrote

solar windows is tried and failed project
It’s more expensive, it’s much less effective and it blocks much more sun than it generates electricity, pissing off everyone inside.
Sure, you can do it more transparent, but in that case, it generates even less electricity.

IMHO rooftop panels is all we need

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Alias_The_J t1_j1eivyk wrote

Kind of- for skyscrapers especially, glare reduction, excess light mitigation and UV removal are important functions that normally lead to window tinting and indoor window covers anyway. If you can get those effects cheaply enough and in the right proportions, then PV windows could be a viable technology.

They will always be worse than rooftop PV- I wouldn't be surprised if a skyscraper's windows produced less electricity than its rooftop array, due as well to the poor window positioning for PV- but if they're filling multiple functions then they might be worthwhile. It would be like complaining about windows for lighting when LEDs work just as well.

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chowder-san t1_j1cw9xx wrote

why would we though? Judging by the currently available analyses, we don't even need that space. Simply covering roofs would be enough to cover our needs, alongside commercial solar farms.

In fact, even currently available solar panels, if used on an entire roof, would generate more than enough of energy to handle a big house. The problem is the cost of doing that and maintenance if the panels get damaged.

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Zinsurin t1_j1dfxda wrote

I can think of a few reasons, not all of them may make sense or are great though.

Cheaper cells that are less efficient on these tall buildings could generate that extra energy we need to power smaller buildings in the area that may not see much if any sunlight.

Taller buildings get more sun through the day, even if it is only by a minute or two.

The more energy we generate and cam store the less reliant we could be on other methods of energy generation.

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