Transparent alternative to window blinds

From an energy perspective, windows have an opposite effect depending on the time of year: In winter, they allow solar heat into the interior and thus reduce heating demand. In summer, on the other hand, solar heat gain is often undesirable because it can lead to increased cooling demand. Blinds and other adjustable exterior solar shading systems serve to keep summer heat out of interior spaces. An alternative to this is window glass that can be darkened by applying an electrical voltage, so-called ‚electrochromic glass.‘ The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) has documented the advantages and disadvantages of this technology in a literature study. The researchers conclude that energetic advantages of electrochromic glass over standard systems can only be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Read the full specialist article (also in German): „Transparent alternative to window blinds“.

Benedikt Vogel, on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy
Picture: SageGlass/Jeffrey Totaro