Solar block reaches new heights

New technology created by a University of Exeter spin-out could see buildings powered using innovative glass blocks.

The blocks, called Solar Squared, contain intelligent optics that focuses incoming sunlight onto solar cells, enabling more electricity to be produced. The generated electricity can be used to power the building, charge electric vehicles or simply be stored.

The future of renewable energy?

Dr Hasan Baig, Build Solar founder, said: “We are aiming to build integrated, affordable, efficient and attractive solar technologies, which have the smallest impact on the local landscape. It’s an exciting venture and one that should capture the imagination of the construction industry, when looking to develop new office blocks and public buildings or infrastructure projects such as train stations and carparks.”

It is believed that buildings consume more than 40% of electricity produced around the world. The blocks can be fitted into new buildings or installed as renovations to existing properties. Similar to the Tesla-created solar tile, it is hoped that these technologies can accelerate the widespread introduction of net-zero energy buildings through Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).

Dr Baig said: “BIPV is a growing industry with a 16% annual growth rate. Setting up a company, which can cater to this growing market shall prove beneficial for the UK economy in the long term.” The Build Solar team have stated their product delivers better thermal insulation than glass blocks.

Currently, the technology is at the prototype stage, pending patent. The company is fine tuning the technology before it is piloted.