Get an efficient home by installing smart windows

How do smart windows work?

This type of window operates with a switch that, within seconds, produces chemical reactions that turn the surface of the window opaque. One of the pioneering groups researching smart glass technology is The Berkeley Lab in the United States. This group of scientists presented their initial approaches to smart windows in 2012. They achieved this by developing a new material capable of regulating the light and heat passing through the window, offering three options:

• Summer mode: the window allows all light to pass while blocking heat. In this case, it enhances the effectiveness of curtains and blinds, as it enables the use of natural light in rooms during times of high sun exposure. Thus, it reduces the need for electric lighting and contributes to more efficient use of air conditioning.
• Nap/Dawn mode: blocks both light and heat.
• Winter mode: allows light and heat to pass through, helping to warm homes, which translates to a more rational use of heating.

This very thin layer, made from a porous material that functions as a coating, changes the optical projection depending on its contact with air and the humidity outside, making the glass more opaque or clearer/transparent. This function can be activated or deactivated using a remote control or switch. It's pure home automation! The windows can be;integrated into the home technology system to get the most from it.

Advantages of smart solar windows

At Princeton University, in the USA, a new type of smart window was presented, manufactured using a clear solar panel. This has made it possible for the window to not only regulate the entry of light and heat but also to be energy autonomous. According to studies conducted during the testing period, this type of glazing could reduce a building's electricity bill by up to 40%.

These windows help to control the heat penetrating homes, buildings, or offices through the filters incorporated into their glass. They also offer better insulation and greater efficiency, as this system allows for more savings by reducing the need to use air conditioning in summer or heating in winter.

Furthermore, they are a great alternative to reduce the use of external electricity sources by up to 50%, as they will generate their own energy, particularly in commercial buildings where electricity consumption is high during the day.

Smart windows are one of the key components in enhancing the energy efficiency of homes and offices. They reduce energy consumption, save costs, and maximise the use of renewable resources to achieve comfort in our homes, workplaces, and leisure centres. Remember that in our Para Ti programme, we reward your energy efficiency!