Academics from the University of Exeter’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Science have developed a clean energy solution for buildings that could revolutionise the construction industry. Professor Tapas Mallick and Dr Hasan Baig and IIB Research Commercialisation Manager Jim Williams have created streamlined solar technology that fits neatly into glass blocks. Facades using the innovative product, called Solar Squared, will not only be able to generate electricity while allowing greater amounts of daylight in, but will also provide improved thermal insulation. “Buildings consume more than forty percent of the electricity produced across the globe,” says Dr Baig, who is based at the Environment and Sustainability Institute in Cornwall. “Deployment of standard solar technology is limited by the large area requirement and the negative visual impact. We wanted to overcome these limitations by introducing technologies that become a part of the building's envelope. We now have the capability to build integrated, affordable, efficient, and attractive solar technologies as part of the building's architecture, in places where energy demand is highest, whilst having minimal impact on the landscape and on quality of life.” Solar power is considered one of the greenest sources of energy but its development has been hampered by the high costs of installing photovoltaic panels on buildings and their negative visual impact on building architecture. Making construction products that have embedded solar technology is key to unlocking their real potential. Solar Squared was developed by the Exeter team through a collaborative project involving feedback and insight offered by Cheshire-based Glass Block Technology Ltd and a number of creative businesses in Cornwall. Jim Williams says: “The collaborative approach involving participants in the glass block industry and professional design agencies working closely with our academics has proved to be a powerful combination.” Managed by Jim, product development included work with Falmouth University, Vital Spark Creative and Engine House. Read more at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/business/expertise/aedm/engineering/solar/#2Se6...
