INSTALLING SOLAR FILMS CUT UTILITY EXPENSES

April 30, 2009 on 12:31 am | In Bravo, Fascinating Office Real Estate Information, Funny...Money, Green, Office Fodder, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, Winning Properties |

INSTALLING SOLAR FILMS CUT UTILITY EXPENSES

   by Jodi Summers

Thin solar films are now covering the windows of office buildings around the country, reducing the temperature inside, cutting back on cooling costs and increasing user comfort.

 

The newer, thinner, solar films being placed over the building’s glass that is completely clear, yet cuts ultraviolet and infrared light. “This is a clear film that takes your window and makes it into a smart window,” says Dan Venet, executive vice president of CHB Industries. “It’s nice to have natural light coming in, and gives you an opportunity to reduce your lighting needs.”

 

Earlier versions of this film kept out heat, but the tint created a gloomy environment, something you don’t need more of in the northern part of the country. Newer solar films take advantage of technology that filters out UVA and UVB rays, while reflecting infrared radiation. That reflection reduces 55% of the sun’s heat without affecting the visible spectrum of light – a giant leap for mankind.

 

Key is the clarity of the new films, which allow in maximum light and decreases energy consumption.

 

“We’ve had tenants put no lighting in perimeter offices because of that,” notes Herb Gonzalez, a property manager at L&L Holding Co., about how the new film impacts office buildings. “We notice a significant heat rise in areas not yet filmed. We find it does cool the building.”

 

The technology has advanced to the point that some films not only will block light, they also contain ultra-thin photovoltaics to allow the film to produce energy. The payback period on solar films varies by region. In the West, payback can range from six months to three years, Smith observed.

 

The October 2008 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act allows tax credits for homeowners who install energy efficient improvements in 2009, with window films possibly qualifying, according to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), in Martinsville, VA. Commercial real estate, however faces greater economic challenges.

 

“There’s a tremendous amount of interest,” with the recent spikes in the price of oil, says Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “But the same people who are worried about energy bills also are worried about layoffs.”

 

http://www.globest.com/news/1342_1342/insider/176890-1.html

http://www.euroguard-spain.com/solar-film.html

http://www.protint.ca/ComResInd.htm

http://www.windowfilmdepot.com/blog/index.php

11 Comments »

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  1. Professor Neal Armstrong and a team of chemists and optical scientists at the University of Arizona, Tucson, are trying to develop molecules out of organic compounds – like carbon and hydrogen – that would arrange themselves into a super-thin film about 100 nanometers thick, or one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair. Organic materials currently are used in car stereo displays and for cell phones. These devices emit light using 100-nanometer-thick organic films that carry high-current densities.

    Comment by ACF Newsource — May 2, 2009 #

  2. Solar film is most effective when it is installed on east- and west-facing windows that receive direct sunlight. Very little savings may be realized from treating north- and south-facing windows. If you install film on all windows, you should do it for cosmetic reasons and not for energy savings alone.

    Comment by Cool Nite — May 3, 2009 #

  3. Konarka Technologies successfully manufactures those thin solar cells using an inkjet printer. In addition to decreasing production costs because it relies on existing inkjet technology, the printable Power Plastic cells can be applied to a range of small-scale, highly variable power opportunities, from indoor sensors to small RFID installations.

    With printers now capable of producing solar cells, other companies might be able to use plastics and other colors in developing new kinds of power-packing film. But the inkjet process is just one of several different manufacturing techniques Konarka has been busy demonstrating for its solar collectors over the last three years.

    “Compared to current PV technologies, the Power Plastic has an advantage in flexibility, greater sensitivity to low light and versatility,” Konarka president and CEO Rick Hess says of the film cells, which are fused from liquid containing semiconducting polymers.

    Comment by Konarka — May 3, 2009 #

  4. We would like to offer you a complimentary subscription to Semiconductor International’s
    Photovoltaics Report. This weekly eNewsletter will provide you with the latest updates and in-depth features on solar cell and PV manufacturing
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    Comment by Photovoltaics Report from SI — May 7, 2009 #

  5. In order for wind to generate enough power to replace a typical power plant it would take up to 300 square miles of wind turbines. That is the size (and view) of New York City for one replacement wind farm!
    The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated that mitigation goals for reduction of CO2 can be met at a lower cost and to a greater degree by continuing improvements in general efficiency of buildings, manufacturing and transportation than by wind power.

    Comment by Magical Eye — July 12, 2009 #

  6. First state-wide green building code takes effect

    On August 1, 2009, the first of its kind state-wide green building code took effect for public buildings in California. In 2010, the green building code will apply on private projects. Local governments may adopt building codes in excess of the green building code. The green building code covers energy efficiency, water consumption, dual-plumbing systems for potable and recyclable water, diversion of construction waste from landfills, and use of environmentally sensitive materials in construction and design that do not contaminate indoor air quality (including eco-friendly flooring, carpeting, paint, coatings, thermal insulation and acoustical wall and ceiling panels). The green building code is not intended to be a substitute for any certification programs such as LEED.

    Comment by newsreview.com — August 11, 2009 #

  7. Collect and recycle your e-waste. Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, includes printers, monitors, computers, and anything else with an on/off switch. E-waste should never go in the trash as it may contain toxic chemicals that can leach into the groundwater under landfills. Instead of just chucking it, take it to your local hazardous waste center, or contact one of the many recycling companies operating around the country. Since there’s value in the recycled components, look for one that doesn’t charge a fee for pick-up. You can find local resources for disposing of e-waste here.

    Comment by Jessica Jensen — August 13, 2009 #

  8. Seven Important Steps to a Successful Zero Energy Home - http://www.toolbase.org/Home-Building-Topics/zero-energy-homes/seven-steps-zeh

    Comment by Toolbase.org — September 8, 2009 #

  9. Saving energy in buildings and other non-transportation initiatives could reduce the nation’s energy consumption by 23 percent by 2020, generating 900,000 jobs, saving the U.S. economy $1.2 trillion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1.1 gigatons a year, according to a new study.

    The savings could be done with existing methods and technologies and spending of $50 billion a year over a decade, according to the McKinsey & Co. report, which was sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council and 11 other public and private organizations.

    Comment by Seattle Pi — September 12, 2009 #

  10. Good article, thank you
    If you are interesting 2012 year, by the way, welcome to us :)
    http://2012earth.net

    Comment by Earth — October 9, 2009 #

  11. Hi
    Very nice and intrestingss story.

    Comment by JassiMostru — June 4, 2010 #

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