Reimagining the Window as a Power Source

As the global demand for sustainable building solutions intensifies, innovative approaches to renewable energy integration are reshaping the architectural landscape. One of the most exciting advancements in this space comes from Ubiquitous Energy, a Silicon Valley company transforming how we think about solar power. Rather than relying on opaque solar panels or conspicuous roof installations, the company has developed a truly elegant solution: transparent solar windows that convert sunlight into electricity without compromising aesthetics.

At the heart of Ubiquitous Energy’s innovation is UE Power™, a proprietary transparent photovoltaic coating. This ultra-thin film is composed of organic materials that selectively absorb non-visible light (UV and IR) and convert it into electricity, allowing visible light to pass through unimpeded. The result is a window that looks and functions like any other but also serves as a source of clean energy.

Key Features

• Transparency: Over 70% visible light transmission, ensuring clarity and natural lighting.
• Energy Generation: Approximately 5–10 watts per square meter, depending on conditions.
• Aesthetic Integration: Indistinguishable from standard windows, preserving architectural design.
• Environmental Impact: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

A Working Example: Michigan State University

One of the earliest and most impactful installations of Ubiquitous Energy’s transparent solar windows took place at Michigan State University (MSU). In 2021, the university installed a 100-square-foot array of solar glass panels above the main entrance of its Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building. This marked the first deployment of its kind on a university campus and served both as a functional energy source and a symbol of MSU’s commitment to sustainability.

The primary goal of the installation was to demonstrate the viability of the technology in a real-world, institutional setting. The panels now provide enough electricity to power the building’s atrium lighting, and they do so with no visible difference from traditional glass. Students, faculty, and visitors move through the space unaware that the very windows above them are generating clean energy in real time.

Professor Richard Lunt, an MSU researcher and co-founder of Ubiquitous Energy, has supported the idea of making every window a power plant. He notes that this technology offers a transformative opportunity: “You can turn nearly any surface into a solar panel while preserving aesthetics and visibility.”

Beyond the Pilot: Toward Widespread Adoption

Following its success at MSU, Ubiquitous Energy has entered into strategic partnerships with major industry players, including Andersen Windows & Doors. This collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of transparent solar windows across the residential and commercial sectors. The integration of UE Power™ into high-performance window systems is expected to support both net-zero building goals and broader decarbonization efforts.

While the energy yield per square meter, typically 5 to 10 watts, is lower than traditional opaque panels, the potential scalability is enormous. In glass-heavy urban architecture, the total surface area available for transparent solar windows could rival or even exceed rooftop capacity. Moreover, the reduction in heat gain due to IR light absorption adds a passive efficiency benefit by lowering air conditioning demands.

Ubiquitous Energy’s technology invites us to reconsider what a window can be. No longer just a portal for light and views, it becomes an active participant in energy production. This conjunction of function, form, and sustainability marks a critical step forward in the evolution of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

For architects, designers, and developers seeking renewable energy solutions that do not disrupt design intent, transparent solar windows offer a compelling pathway forward. And for institutions like MSU, the results already speak for themselves—powering spaces invisibly, elegantly, and sustainably.

Photo: Nick Schrader