New Solar-Powered Window System That Heats, Cools, Lights, and Shades [View All]

TROY, N.Y. — A team of researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has developed the first of its kind solar-powered, integrated window system that could significantly reduce dependency on the same energy grid that caused the biggest power outage in U.S. history.

Designed to function as a shading system, the Dynamic Shading Window System (DSWS) uses a newly developed solar-energy technology to convert the sun’s light and diverted heat into storable energy that can be used to also efficiently heat, cool, and artificially light the same office building.

Developed primarily for commercial buildings, the DSWS blocks the harshest rays while allowing the most pleasing daylight to stay in a building’s interior.

http://www.rpi.edu/web/News/press_releases/2003/grid.html