By Greentech Lead America: Guardian
Industries and Pythagoras Solar announced they have partnered to
manufacture and market SunGuard Photovoltaic Glass Units (PVGU) for commercial
buildings.
Guardian SunGuard PVGU combines Pythagoras Solar
PVGU tiles with SunGuard advanced architectural glass to create a
building-integrated photovoltaic product. This replaces standard vision and
spandrel glass or skylights, with a glass product that converts direct sunlight
into energy.
“We’re pleased that architects and building owners
will further benefit through access to our production-ready, new BIPV
technology through Guardian Industries, a reliable, high-quality industry
leader,” said Gonen Fink, Pythagoras co-founder and CEO.
Combined with Guardian SunGuard low-E glass, PVGU
addresses the growing demand for energy-efficient buildings. SunGuard PVGU with
Pythagoras Solar’s technology addresses the biggest barrier to improving
sustainability in buildings at a large scale.
SunGuard PVGU lets in diffused light, increases energy
efficiency and generates electricity from the building facade, helping projects
achieve new “green” energy codes.
SunGuard PVGU reduces solar heat gain resulting in
reduced energy demands on HVAC systems, optimizes daylighting and through its
insulated unit, improves a thermal barrier.
The PVGU allows transmission of ambient light while
generating electricity at a rate comparable to crystalline silicon PV modules
at the same orientation. Optimal glazing would include the south, east and west
facing facades.
SunGuard PVGU offers a range of glass configurations and
available in a variety of sizes, the insulated glass units are transparent and
feature adaptable design to ease their integration into the building
architecture.
“BIPV is increasingly being specified for commercial
applications and together Guardian and Pythagoras will provide applied
solutions for energy efficient buildings,” said Scott
Thomsen, group president, Guardian Glass.
Guardian Auto Glass recently announced the formation of a
new company, Guardian Auto Glass Bloomington, to acquire the assets of Glass
Specialty Company based in Bloomington, Illinois.