Solar Glazing
Content Circa 2011-2012

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This was the website for Solar Glazing magazine which provided the latest information about this rapidly growing and changing new segment of the glass industry. Each issue of this quarterly publication featured unbiased feature articles, columns from the industry's leading experts and regular departments highlighting technological innovations, company news, industry statistics, changing legislation, noteworthy events, the latest products and more.
Content is from the site's 2011-2012 archived pages allowing visitors a glimpse of what this online magazine offered its readers.

Solar glazing is the lamination of solar photovoltaics (PV) and glass. The PV cells are laminated between two panes of specialized glazing resulting in a glass laminate that serves the dual function of creating energy (kWh) and shade at the same time.

Recently I was involved in the construction of a private home with a large greenhouse where the designer/ architect wanted solar glass- specifically BIPV photovoltaic solar glass for part of the facade, all of the skylights for the main house and the entire greenhouse. The client was very health and energy conscious and wanted all the structures to be as green as possible. With a southern orientation and well placed windows, passive solar homes can potentially reduce heating requirements by 25%. Considering the state of the energy crisis world wide, plus the lack of seriously addressing climate change, individuals need to do what they can.

The first passive solar home I experienced is when my parents rented a home in Joshua Tree CA. It was designed by W. Garett Carlson, ASLA, a licensed landscape architect and built with sustainability in mind. He used an intriguing palette of metal, wood, concrete and glass to create a peaceful modern living space with ten-foot high, custom-made floor-to-ceiling pocket glass doors open to create a 40 feet wide expanse that connects the living area to the landscape. Although it was built in 2009, the house was before its time. The Boulder House as it is called was designed to look as if it emerged from the desert floor. A giant boulder forms one side, contemporary steel and glass form the other side, with panoramic desert views.

As we continue to explore ways to combat climate change, solar glazing and other renewable energy solutions could play a pivotal role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. For instance, the widespread adoption of solar glazing in buildings could significantly decrease the demand for offshore oil drilling. This shift would not only reduce the environmental risks associated with maritime oil extraction but also minimize the occurrence of maritime accidents, such as oil spills and rig explosions, which have devastating ecological and economic consequences.

While this transition might reduce the demand for maritime injury lawyers specializing in offshore accident cases, the broader benefits to the planet and society would be profound. By embracing solar glazing and other eco-friendly technologies, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change, protect marine ecosystems, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Before concluding, it’s worth noting that maintaining solar technologies is essential for their long-term efficiency. Companies like California Glass and Solar, which specialize in cleaning and maintaining solar panels, play a crucial role in ensuring these systems operate at peak performance. Solar windows and panels are indeed transformative, but like any technology, they require proper upkeep to deliver their full potential. By investing in both the adoption and maintenance of solar solutions, we can move closer to a greener, more resilient world.

Go to www.usglassmag.com for the latest news from the Glass Association of North America.

Solar Glazing is a website produced by Key Communications, trade publisher of leading publications such as USGlass magazine. The latest solar news is posted here, as it relates to glass, and additional solar content is featured each month in the pages of USGlass magazine. Solar Glazing™ is a registered trademark of Key Communications Inc.

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Lower Tariff in Italy

Nov 2nd, 2011 | By Editor

PRESS RELEASE

Nov. 1, 2011, 9:52 a.m. EDT

Odersun AG Solar Modules Meet Criteria for Higher Solar Power Tariff in Italy

Carrying the 'Made in Europe' certificate, Odersun solar modules meet the latest requirements issued by Italian energy agency GSE, enabling operators to claim a 10% higher feed-in tariff than for non-certified products.

BERLIN, Nov 01, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The VDE Institute has confirmed that the thin-film solar cells produced in Germany by Odersun AG will carry the 'Made in Europe' certificate. Solar plant operators using Odersun modules can therefore realize a 10% higher feed-in tariff.

This is based on the latest Italian feed-in law (Conto Energia IV), which introduces new rules for funding solar power in Italy. The energy agency GSE will pay a 10% higher subsidy for projects incorporating European components.

In collaboration with GSE, a certificate has been developed to confirm that at least 60% of a module or its system components have been manufactured in Europe.

About Odersun ( www.odersun.com ) Odersun AG designs and manufactures customized solar products using a proprietary, worldwide patented thin-film technology (CIS -- copper indium disulphide). Its manufacturing process enables the company to produce solar cells that can be assembled into solar modules of virtually any size, form, design or any power, in flexible glass-foil or glass-glass packaging. This adaptability is decisive for applications of building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV).

The company employs over 260 employees at its facilities in Germany and is backed by an international group of leading investors including Doughty Hanson Technology Ventures (UK), Virgin Green Fund (USA/UK), Advanced Technology & Materials (China), PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (USA), AGF Private Equity (a member of Allianz Group, France) and Valor KG (Austria).

 

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Beneq Hosts Photovoltaic Specialist Seminar in Shanghai

Nov 4th, 2011 | By Editor 

Abstract:
In October this year, Beneq, together with the Shanghai Center for Photovoltaics (SCPV), hosted an invitation-only specialist seminar for executive level decision makers and experts in photovoltaics (PV).

Beneq hosts photovoltaic specialist seminar in Shanghai

Shanghai, China | Posted on November 3rd, 2011

In October, an exclusive two-day solar energy seminar was held in Shanghai. The intention of the seminar was primarily to bring together executive-level cell manufacturing representatives with academic and industrial experts on emerging cell-enhancing coating technologies, e.g., atomic layer deposition (ALD) and aerosol coating, both of which are provided by Beneq.

The participants, more than 100 top-level business delegates and research experts met for two intense days to learn about the current status of PV both globally and in China, and Beneq coating equipment for silicon-based and thin film solar cells. Speakers at the seminar included Prof. Junhao Chu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Science and Director of SCPV, Qiang Huang, Vice President of Trina Solar, Dr Xiaoguang Ma, CTO of Suntech and Dr Winfried Hoffmann, Vice President of EPIA.

Prof. Junhao Chu, Director of SCPV and who opened the seminar, summarizes: "We are very pleased with the success of this seminar. In order to ensure consistent development of research and development of photovoltaics in China, we need these kinds of events. Personally, I was pleased with the high standard of speakers, and the level of interest of the participants. We have found that closed invitation-only seminars lead to a more open atmosphere among the participants, thus enabling tangible decisions and concrete outcomes."

Beneq CEO, Sampo Ahonen, who addressed the seminar, comments: "This concept is clearly a win-win occasion for all involved. It is seldom a company gets the opportunity like this to meet face-to-face with top level management of the biggest cell manufacturing companies in China. It is likewise rare to meet such a number of distinguished speakers, all of which are recognized authorities in their respective field of expertise."

The aforementioned seminar was arranged by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Branch, the Shanghai Solar Energy Society, the Shanghai Vacuum Society and Shanghai Physical Society, hosted by the Shanghai Center for Photovoltaics and Beneq and supported by the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics of CAS, the East China Normal University-Colorado State University Joint Research Institute for New Energy and the Environment, the Key Laboratory of Advanced Technique & Preparation for Renewable Energy Materials, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Normal University and the Institute of Solar Energy, Shanghai Jiaotong University.

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About Beneq Oy
Beneq Oy, based in Finland, is a supplier of equipment and coating technology for global markets. Beneq turns innovations into success by developing applications and equipment for cleantech and renewable energy fields, especially in glass, solar and emerging thin film markets. Coating applications include optics, barriers and passivation layers, as well as energy generation and conservation. Beneq also offers complete coating services. The coating applications of Beneq are based on two enabling nanotechnology platforms: Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and aerosol coating (nHALO® and nAERO®).

Shanghai Center for Photovoltaics (SCPV) is a non-profit R&D organization for solar cell related research and development. The mission of SCPV embraces contributing to the National Energy Strategy, conducting industry oriented research and technology development and undertaking national level fundamental research. The R&D focus of SCPV includes physical purification techniques for solar grade poly-silicon, thin film solar cells (e.g., CIGS/CdTe), novel concept solar cells as well as testing standards. The center has a staff of more than 50, with one Academician (CAS), nine Research and five Assistant Professors.

Beneq, nHALO and nAERO are registered trademarks of Beneq Oy.

Contacts:
Mr Sampo Ahonen
CEO
Beneq Oy
Tel: +358 40 520 1090
e-mail: sampo.ahonen(at)beneq.com

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More Background On SolarGlazingMag.com

 

SolarGlazingMag.com was the online platform for Solar Glazing™, a quarterly trade publication dedicated to one of the most innovative developments within the architectural glass sector: the integration of solar photovoltaics (PV) into glazing systems. Active primarily during the 2011–2012 period, the site served as a specialized news and analysis hub for professionals working at the intersection of renewable energy, façade engineering, and glass manufacturing.

Although no longer maintained as an active publication, archived versions of the site reveal a focused, technically informed resource that documented a pivotal moment in the evolution of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Solar Glazing™ captured the rapid growth, policy shifts, technological breakthroughs, and architectural experimentation that characterized the early 2010s solar boom.

Ownership and Publisher Background

Solar Glazing™ was produced by Key Communications Inc., a respected trade publisher within the architectural glass and metal construction industries. Key Communications is also the publisher of USGlass Magazine, one of North America’s leading trade publications covering commercial glazing, curtain wall systems, and façade innovation.

Headquartered in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region—an area with historic ties to glass manufacturing—Key Communications positioned Solar Glazing™ as a niche vertical brand within its broader publishing portfolio. The Solar Glazing™ name was registered as a trademark of Key Communications Inc., reinforcing its formal identity as a specialized publication within the company’s media network.

The site regularly directed readers to USGlassMag.com for broader industry updates, indicating a coordinated editorial strategy linking general glazing coverage with renewable energy integration topics.

Editorial Mission and Focus

Solar Glazing™ concentrated specifically on the lamination of solar photovoltaic cells within architectural glass assemblies. Solar glazing was defined as a glass laminate in which PV cells are embedded between panes of specialized glazing. The resulting system performs two functions simultaneously:

• Generates electricity (measured in kilowatt-hours)

• Provides shading and light modulation within buildings

This dual-purpose functionality positioned solar glazing as both an energy-generation system and a façade design solution.

The quarterly publication featured:

• Unbiased feature articles

• Expert columns from industry leaders

• Coverage of technological innovations

• Company news and product launches

• Legislative updates and feed-in tariff changes

• Global market developments

• Industry statistics and economic analysis

Its tone was technical yet accessible, targeting architects, façade engineers, glazing contractors, solar manufacturers, policy analysts, and sustainability consultants.

The Solar Industry Context (2011–2012)

SolarGlazingMag.com operated during one of the most dynamic periods in the modern solar industry. Between 2008 and 2012, the global photovoltaic market experienced:

• Rapid expansion in Europe due to feed-in tariffs

• Intense competition between crystalline silicon and thin-film technologies

• Increasing attention to building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)

• Major investments in solar manufacturing in Germany, China, and the United States

• Growing public awareness of climate change and energy independence

Italy’s Conto Energia IV program, for example, introduced new funding rules that rewarded solar installations incorporating European-manufactured components. The website covered developments such as Odersun AG’s qualification for “Made in Europe” certification, which enabled operators to claim higher feed-in tariffs.

These stories demonstrate that Solar Glazing™ was closely monitoring how policy decisions directly influenced solar glass economics and project feasibility.

Coverage of Thin-Film and Emerging Technologies

A significant portion of the site’s reporting focused on thin-film solar technologies, including CIS (copper indium disulfide), CIGS, and CdTe systems. Thin-film PV offered particular promise for integration into architectural glazing because of its:

• Flexibility in form factor

• Ability to be customized for size and shape

• Compatibility with glass-glass and glass-foil packaging

• Aesthetic adaptability for façades

The site also covered nanotechnology-based coating systems, including atomic layer deposition (ALD) and aerosol coating techniques used to enhance solar cell performance. Reports from international industry seminars—such as photovoltaic specialist events held in Shanghai—highlighted the global collaboration between manufacturers, research institutions, and equipment suppliers.

This technical coverage positioned Solar Glazing™ as more than a news aggregator; it served as a knowledge bridge between research institutions, manufacturing innovation, and architectural application.

Architectural Applications and BIPV

Solar glazing technology is central to the concept of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), in which energy generation is incorporated directly into the building envelope. The publication emphasized how solar glazing could be deployed in:

• Curtain walls

• Atria

• Skylights

• Shading canopies

• Greenhouses

• South-facing façades

• Commercial office towers

Unlike traditional rooftop solar panels, BIPV systems replace conventional building materials, reducing the need for separate mounting infrastructure. The embedded PV cells can be customized to adjust transparency levels, allowing architects to control light penetration and visual aesthetics.

Solar Glazing™ highlighted projects where health-conscious and sustainability-driven clients integrated solar glass into residential and commercial structures. Passive solar design strategies were also discussed, including southern orientation and optimized window placement to reduce heating requirements by as much as 25 percent in certain climates.

This blending of energy engineering and architectural design was central to the publication’s editorial identity.

Sustainability and Climate Change Narrative

Beyond technical reporting, SolarGlazingMag.com reflected a broader cultural shift toward renewable energy adoption. The site connected solar glazing to global environmental challenges, including:

• Climate change mitigation

• Fossil fuel dependency reduction

• Decreased offshore oil drilling demand

• Reduced risk of maritime oil spills

• Protection of marine ecosystems

The framing suggested that widespread adoption of solar-integrated building materials could contribute meaningfully to reducing carbon emissions and stabilizing energy systems.

The early 2010s marked a period when sustainability certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) were increasingly influencing architectural decisions. Solar glazing aligned well with these green building frameworks, reinforcing its appeal to forward-thinking developers and municipalities.

Industry Relationships and Ecosystem

Solar Glazing™ existed within a broader network of glass and renewable energy publications. While Glass Magazine and USGlass Magazine covered general architectural glazing, Solar Glazing™ narrowed its focus to photovoltaic integration.

The publication frequently featured:

• Press releases from European and Asian manufacturers

• Reports from energy agencies

• Announcements from R&D institutions

• Technology vendor updates

By combining global coverage with North American industry context, the site provided a panoramic view of solar glass innovation.

Its reporting on events hosted by organizations such as the Shanghai Center for Photovoltaics and companies like Beneq Oy reflected an awareness of China’s rapidly expanding role in solar manufacturing.

Audience and Professional Readership

The site targeted a specialized professional audience, including:

• Glass fabricators

• Façade consultants

• Solar module manufacturers

• Architects specializing in sustainable design

• Policy analysts tracking renewable incentives

• Commercial developers exploring green building solutions

• Investors in renewable energy technology

Because solar glazing requires coordination between structural engineering, electrical systems, building codes, and design aesthetics, the readership likely included multidisciplinary teams seeking reliable technical information.

The quarterly format allowed for deeper analysis rather than daily news turnover, aligning with the slower decision cycles typical of construction and infrastructure projects.

Popularity and Market Position

While Solar Glazing™ was not a mainstream consumer publication, it occupied a respected niche within trade media. Its association with Key Communications and USGlass Magazine provided credibility and distribution channels within established industry networks.

The site’s popularity was likely strongest among:

• North American glazing contractors

• European solar manufacturers

• Industry conference attendees

• Sustainability consultants

Because BIPV was still emerging in 2011–2012, the publication served as an early-stage thought leadership platform rather than a mass-market outlet.

Relationship to Broader Glass Industry Trends

During the early 2010s, the glass industry faced several simultaneous pressures:

• Rising energy costs

• Demand for higher-performance building envelopes

• Regulatory pressure for energy efficiency

• Economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis

Solar glazing addressed many of these concerns by transforming the building façade into an energy-producing asset.

Simultaneously, innovations such as vacuum insulating glass and advanced coatings were improving thermal performance. Solar Glazing™ reported within this broader context, positioning photovoltaic integration as part of a larger green manufacturing shift.

Legacy and Archival Significance

Although SolarGlazingMag.com is now primarily accessible through archived pages, its historical value remains significant. It documented:

• Early commercialization of BIPV systems

• Thin-film solar’s competitive phase

• European feed-in tariff dynamics

• International collaboration in solar R&D

• Architectural experimentation with integrated energy systems

In retrospect, the period covered by the site represents a transitional moment before:

• The global solar price collapse

• Trade disputes between the U.S., EU, and China

• Consolidation within the thin-film sector

• Mainstream adoption of rooftop solar

Solar Glazing™ captured the optimism and technical ambition of a rapidly evolving sector.

Cultural and Architectural Impact

The publication contributed to normalizing the concept that buildings could be both aesthetic structures and energy generators. This idea has since evolved into:

• Net-zero building standards

• Energy-positive architecture

• Smart façades

• Integrated shading systems with PV layers

By promoting the dual-function nature of solar glazing—energy generation and shading—the magazine helped frame sustainability not as a compromise, but as a design enhancement.

Architectural firms experimenting with glass-heavy modernist designs found in solar glazing a way to reconcile transparency with energy performance.

Awards and Recognition

While no specific awards are prominently documented for Solar Glazing™ itself, the technologies and companies it covered frequently received industry accolades. Many featured manufacturers participated in global renewable energy conferences, trade shows, and certification programs.

The magazine’s association with recognized industry bodies such as the Glass Association of North America reinforced its credibility.

Proximity and Geographic Reach

Although produced by a U.S.-based publisher, SolarGlazingMag.com maintained strong international coverage, including:

• Germany (thin-film manufacturing)

• Italy (feed-in tariff legislation)

• China (PV research and manufacturing expansion)

• Finland (coating equipment suppliers)

This global orientation reflected the inherently international nature of photovoltaic supply chains and glass manufacturing.

Maintenance and Aftermarket Considerations

The site also acknowledged that solar technologies require ongoing maintenance. Companies specializing in cleaning and maintaining solar panels were noted as critical to preserving system efficiency.

Solar windows and façade-integrated PV must maintain surface clarity and electrical performance. Without proper upkeep, energy output can decline, underscoring the importance of lifecycle management within renewable architecture.

SolarGlazingMag.com stands as a snapshot of an important era in renewable energy and architectural innovation. Produced by Key Communications Inc., it served as a dedicated trade resource for professionals exploring the integration of photovoltaics into glass systems.

Its coverage bridged technology, policy, design, and sustainability—documenting the rise of solar glazing during a transformative period in global energy development. Though no longer active as a current publication, its archived content offers valuable insight into the early commercialization of building-integrated photovoltaics and the glass industry’s transition toward greener solutions.

As net-zero architecture and energy-positive buildings become increasingly mainstream, the foundational discussions captured by Solar Glazing™ remain relevant. The publication’s legacy lies in helping articulate a vision where façades are not merely protective envelopes, but active contributors to a sustainable energy future.

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