Pilkington North America, Dyesol unite for BIPV development

Pilkington North America, based in Toledo, Ohio, is joining Dyesol to develop opportunities in the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market. The partnership will involve the use of Pilkington’s TEC series of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coated float glass and Dyesol’s dye solar cell (DSC) materials and technology.

“Pilkington believes it is time to begin developing the next generation of photovoltaic power,” said Stephen Weidner, Senior Vice President of building products for North America. “BIPV is an emerging market segment with great opportunity for utilizing our TCO technology to bring photovoltaic power into building design.”

“The collaboration with Dyesol has the potential to bring a significant change in the value of architectural glass as we know it today. No longer will glass be viewed solely for its insulation and aesthetic properties, but for its power generating potential as well,” continues Weidner. 

Marc Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Dyesol said, “With 25% of all electrical energy consumed in the U.S. used in the built environment, the market opportunity is enormous.”

Dr. Gavin Tulloch, the global Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Dyesol said, “DSC technology can best be described as ‘artificial photosynthesis’ using an electrolyte, a layer of titania (a pigment used in white paints and toothpaste) and ruthenium dye deposited on transparent conductive oxide glass, metal or polymer substrates.  Light striking the dye excites electrons which are absorbed by the titania to become an electric current many times stronger than that found in natural photosynthesis in plants. Dyesol’s technology has lower cost and embodied energy in manufacture, produces electricity more efficiently even in low light conditions and can be directly incorporated into buildings by replacing conventional glass.”