Expert interview with Ken Jagger, Chief Commercial Officer of ClearVue photovoltaic smart glass, who explains how solar power generation directly within the window facade can be combined with a stunning and transparent exterior view.
Sales & Finance Executive with 17 years’ experience; Established, grew and ran reseller networks for General Electric, Halifax Bank of Scotland Australia, Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Former Partner of a boutique investment bank.
In your role as Chief Commercial Officer at ClearVue, what is the single most exciting development you are overseeing at the moment?
We are no longer solely R&D focused. We have deployed, tested & validated our technology. Bringing in new business is incredibly exciting. However, as I’m sure you are aware Manoj, buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, with 28% coming from the “in-use” phase. So, I am most excited about contributing to the demise of these emissions as we move towards net-zero energy buildings.
In layman’s terms, can you walk us through how your solution reduces costs and generates revenue for building owners?
Really simply, our technology works by doping a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) glass interlayer with nano & micro particles which captures infrared and down-converts ultraviolet to the infrared range, scattering it to the border of the window where PV cells convert it to electricity.
The result is clear solar glass for commercial buildings and greenhouses – facades and skylights now generate revenue. Our technology ‘slots’ into glazing plants globally, enabling local manufacturing and reducing costs.
ClearVue has a patented offering based on providing transparent, colourless outdoor views, with at-source electrical power generation. How do ClearVue panels compare to standard transparent glass in terms of ‘carbon payback’?
Great question Manoj, I look forward to a day that this is the first question asked by Façade Engineers, Architects & Developers.
We have conservatively calculated our carbon payback at a little under nine years (when using aluminium frames), and less than five years with timber frames!
Compare this with typical double glazing that has a carbon payback of circa 100 years.
We are the only vision glass I am aware of that pays itself back many times in carbon over the course of its life.
ClearVue is developing ‘smart facade’ solutions with Arup, positioning you for the Smart Cities / IoT sector. What new IoT applications can ClearVue enable that have been unfeasible until now?
We have built IoT-enabled, solar vision glass that self-powers: ventilation, blinds, casement windows, dynamic glazing illuminating windows (exterior).
These are fully integrated insulated glass units (IGUs) that draw power from the sun, store the power and activate electrochromic smart glass on-command, day or night. Awesome!
We do need a partner on the software side of things here though Manoj if you know of anyone? It’s important to note that here we are self-powering other company’s products and technology.
Again I extend a partnering opportunity to suitable products with likeminded companies. There are substantial savings on electrical costs when combining technologies; we remove the need for a side trade (electricians for example) to power the above, since there is no need to connect to mains power!
ClearVue is positioned to help architects and building owners comply with Green Building standards. How important is the sustainability argument for your customers?
It’s incredibly important- most get it! There is however, always a ‘beancounter’ involved in the decision process.
ClearVue technology is at an inflection point where sustainability and economics both work in most instances. That said, there still needs to be a greater shift towards performance over aesthetics in my opinion.
Greater regulation in the built environment is needed. Greater environmental stewardship is needed. Name & shame building performance- open source data on the performance of buildings; we measure and disclose carbon!
Investors and tenants, speak with your wallets & feet….Buildings will move. Below is a feasibility study on including ClearVue technology in 7 World Trade Centre New York City: A compelling sustainability argument with a less than one year financial payback!
Image Credits: ClearVuePV
