Clearvue Technologies Improves Building Energy Efficiency with Solar Glazing in Hong Kong Trial

A trial installation of ClearVue Technologies’ (ASX: CPV) solar façade solutions has demonstrated the products can deliver payback in less than three years by dramatically contributing to decreased building energy requirements.

ClearVue began the trial in Hong Kong 12 months ago to test the performance of its vision glass photovoltaic (PV) glazing technology in a real-world environment, measuring the energy generation, thermal performance and impact on building energy efficiency.

The country’s electrical and mechanical services department (EMSD) tested a sample of 40-storey buildings across 15 cities, with a 50% window-to-wall ratio using specialised insulated glass units (IGUs) and LandVac vacuum-insulation technology developed by Chinese company LandGlass.

Energy Offsets

The trial showed ClearVue’s glazing technology could offset between 74% and 125% of the building’s energy requirements and achieved insulation equating to 7.74 degrees Celsius lower internal surface temperature during peak heat compared to untreated windows.

The results demonstrated seamless integration of ClearVue’s technology with other advanced glazing solutions and validated a 4.6-year payback period, reducing to 2.6 years when the government’s feed-in tariff (FiT) is applied.

The EMSD will monitor the ClearVue technology for a further 12 months and then install it permanently at department headquarters.

Sustainable Environment

ClearVue interim chief executive officer Douglas Hunt said the trial results showed the significant impact that solar glazing can have in driving a sustainable build environment.

“The results have been outstanding and show that a fully-integrated solar façade can deliver significant energy savings and generate power, directly addressing the twin needs of sustainable building design and energy efficiency,” he said.

Hong Kong remains a key target market for the commercialisation of ClearVue’s solar glazing and the company believes the results provide a powerful case study for architects, developers and building owners in the region.

“It showcases our ability to create best-in-class products by combining unique technology with other leading innovations and we look forward to leveraging these results to drive commercial opportunities in Hong Kong and other markets across Asia,” Mr Hunt added.