California-based start-up Next Energy Technologies has introduced what it claims is the largest fully transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) window ever developed.
The newly developed laminated OPV window measures 101.6 cm by 152.4 cm (3.3 feet x 4.9 feet) and was produced using Next Energy’s pilot production line. It features a transparent OPV layer embedded within a glass substrate, complemented by an edge seal, busbar, junction box, and cover glass.
Andy Cohen, Co-Chairman of global design firm Gensler, hailed the innovation as a game changer. “The combination of highest quality aesthetics, power generation, and integration with the glass supply chain is a game changer in the push towards designing Net Zero buildings,” he stated.
Organic photovoltaics use carbon-based semiconductors to absorb ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light while allowing visible light to pass through—an advantage not seen in traditional solar semiconductors. Originating from Nobel Prize-winning research at UC Santa Barbara, OPV technology offers several benefits, including transparency, efficiency in diverse lighting conditions, and the use of non-toxic, earth-abundant materials.
Next Energy previously introduced smaller OPV windows (68 cm × 89 cm), claiming they could offset 20–25% of a commercial building’s energy consumption by capturing infrared light and reducing HVAC demands. Their latest innovation marks a significant step toward widespread implementation in commercial architecture.
The company applies its proprietary OPV coating using an automated slot-die technique, allowing for precise deposition and seamless integration into existing glass fabrication processes. This method ensures that the solar layer remains visually appealing while delivering functional energy generation.
“This milestone is further evidence to an industry hungry for a solution that our combination of OPV coatings and advanced manufacturing processing is working, scaling, and can be rapidly deployed,” said Daniel Emmett, co-founder and CEO of Next Energy.