Climate change has really seemed to rear its ugly head lately, causing many individuals, companies and governments to begin searching for solutions to reduce their footprints. One simple solution for large clean energy buildings, greenhouses and other locations to reduce their energy use are these solar biopanel windows, which feature a thin layer of hard-working algae in between panes to keep your space oxygen-rich, warm and powered by green energy.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
These solar biopanel windows from the Mexican startup Greenfluidics use algae to generate energy, and they absorb carbon dioxide right out of the air. They also produce biomass material that can be used for fuel, fertilizer and more, and they simply look incredible, adding the green glow of algae to any space.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
The electricity-generating and CO2-reducing solar panel windows also use nano-fluids and other nano-technology with the algae to produce biomass and electricity.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
Additionally, these algae solar windows are even more efficient than solid-state solar cells, as the bio-panel is a full-spectrum collector, meaning that it also collects infrared radiation in addition to UV rays and light energy.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
The algae consumes the collected CO2 and the combination sunlight spectrum to produce increased oxygen, biofuel and thermal energy.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
Interestingly, the Greenfluidics algae biopanel windows also capture and hold heat energy in to add a small amount of insulation to rooms they’re in, while also using shade and the algae’s absorption to keep rooms cool in warm climates.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
The biofuel these solar windows creates is removed from the building to be processed into a mashed pulp which can be used to power a building’s entire water heating system.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
Greenfluidics is focused on using its solar biopanel windows for smart buildings, and it says that these buildings can increase building value by up to 10 percent. In the long run, the company wants to use its solar biopanel windows to help promote a circular economy and a transition to sustainable cities.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
The solar biopanels are able to produce as much as 328 KWh/m2 of energy per year per panel, according to Greenfluidics, while some regular solar panels may produce just close to 200 KWh/m2 per year.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
The biopanel windows are also expected to save around 90 kWh/m2 per year of energy due to their shade-cooling effect, and the oxygen benefit can mitigate around 200 kg of CO2 per year — a marked improvement in day-to-day air quality. Still, all of these figures would be at a maximum efficiency for the panels, which may not always be guaranteed.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
Pretty incredible, right?
Headquartered in Metepec, Mexico, the startup was named one of the G20’s “100 solutions to mitigate climate change” in a summit in Canada in 2019, and the company has been recognized by the MIT Technology Review’s “Innovators Under 35” celebrating the 35 most innovative young people in Latin America.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
In addition, the algae biopanel company was honored by Forbes’ 30 Mexican Business Promises in 2020 in an issue of Forbes Mexico.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
Other excellent environmentally-friendly products that could pair well with the solar biopanel windows include this off-grid, solar-powered tiny home, the solar-powerd tent with lights, Wi-Fi and heated floors, and this concept for an eco-friendly floating city, which is already enrolling citizens.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
Whether you’re a business owner, building owner or just a sustainability enthusiast, it’s worth looking into these multi-problem solving solutions for your space.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
They may cost a hefty few bucks to get installed, but the appreciation you’ll feel on the other side will almost certainly be worth it, when you’re using clean energy and recycling carbon. With the Greenfluidics solar biopanel eco-friendly windows, you’ll breathe freer — quite literally.
Credit: GreenFluidics/Hugo Ivan Gómez Tagle Ayala
Find more information on these unique solar algae powered biopanel windows via the video below!
