Solar Glass?

I came across this recently and am interested if anyone has a take on this as having any potential practical implications for people to use at home, given a long enough timeline.

The technology works by adding a layer of transparent solid-state solar cells at most three microns thick to conventional glass, in order to turn around 12% of the solar energy received into low-carbon electricity.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/12/printed-solar-glass-panels-oxford-photovoltaics

lovely too bad it isnt available now ...i have a huge (12 foot) unshaded sw window downstairs and a 8 foot one upstairs. by the time they release something like this, my trees will be shading.

order from Sharp

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/09/26/sharp-corporation-potentially-not-doomed-after-all-unveils-amazing-new-solar-energy-panels/

SolarSmart Glass

SolarSmart is a self-tinting, high performance glass that automatically darkens in the presence of direct sunlight to block heat, glare and damaging ultraviolet light.

Unlike most other dynamic glass, SolarSmart is 100% solar activated, powered and controlled; requiring no wires, electronics, external power or user involvement. This dramatically simplifies installation, and maximizes potential energy savings.

The secret to SolarSmart lies in its proprietary Suntuitive TM interlayer which responds to the heat & warmth of the sun. With SolarSmart, the view is always preserved even in the darkest state.

According to Steve Abadi, Chairman of Innovative Glass,

Windows receive different amounts of solar energy throughout the day, month & year, due to changing angles and position of the sun. As the sun strikes and heats the glass, SolarSmart automatically and proportionately tints and darkens to maximize user comfort. Its as reliable as the sunrise and sunset, always adapting to the environment.

SolarSmart reduces the need for blinds and drapes, and will significantly cut the cooling & lighting costs of office buildings, schools and homes. In fact, studies indicate that buildings with SolarSmart can save up to 22% of installed equipment costs, supporting a quick return on investment.

SolarSmart has passed NRELs stringent durability & exposure tests, and meets ASTM E2141-06 standards for long term, maintenance-free performance. SolarSmart is a reliable net-zero-energy glazing solution that contributes to LEED points credits in over 6 categories.

SolarSmart is available in the form of insulated glass units for curtainwalls, atriums & OEM applications, as well as complete windows, doors and skylights for contractor installation.

For more information, check out http://innovativeglasscorp.com/solar-smart

About Innovative Glass

Innovative Glass, a New York-based company, is at the forefront of providing & integrating dynamic glazing solutions using their proprietary eGlass products. eGlass technology marries glass with electronics, turning them into windows, doors and skylights, which give you full control of light, privacy, sunglare and heat gain automatically or at the touch of a button.

The eGlass product line consists of switchable LC Privacy Glass, variable tint SPD SmartGlass & the sunlight responsive SolarSmart Glass. eGlass can be provided in virtually any shape, size and configuration for integration into other manufacturers windows, doors, skylights, and partition systems.

For more information visit their NEW state-of-the-art website to see over 100 installations of eGlass at www.InnovativeGlassCorp.com or contact them at info@innovativeglasscorp.com.