Are Solar Windows a Smart Investment for Commercial Properties?

Have you ever wondered if your commercial building’s windows could do more than just let in natural light? Imagine they could generate electricity, reduce energy bills, and contribute to your business’s sustainability goals. This is exactly what solar windows promise to deliver.

With the UK’s net-zero commitments and rising electricity costs, businesses seek innovative renewable energy solutions. While rooftop solar panels have become widely adopted, solar windows offer a unique opportunity to integrate energy generation into a building’s structure. But are they a wise investment for commercial properties?

This blog post will explore the benefits, drawbacks, financial viability, and key considerations of installing solar windows in commercial buildings. 

What Are Solar Windows and How Do They Work?

Solar windows are an innovative renewable energy technology that integrates transparent solar cells into glass surfaces. This allows windows to generate electricity from sunlight while maintaining visibility. Unlike traditional solar panels, which require large, opaque surfaces, solar windows seamlessly integrate into buildings, turning windows into energy-producing assets.

How Do Solar Windows Work?

Solar windows use photovoltaic (PV) technology, but instead of conventional silicon-based cells, they utilise transparent or semi-transparent solar cells embedded within the glass. These cells can absorb specific wavelengths of light while allowing visible light to pass through.

1. Light Absorption: Solar windows use organic photovoltaic (OPV) materials or transparent luminescent solar concentrators (TLSCs) to absorb ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light, which are invisible to the human eye. This allows visible light to pass through, maintaining the window’s transparency.
2. Energy Conversion: The absorbed UV and IR light is converted into electrical energy through thin-film solar cells or quantum dots, which direct the energy toward photovoltaic strips located at the window edges.
3. Electricity Generation and Storage: The electricity produced can be used immediately to power a building’s electrical systems or stored in battery storage systems for later use.

Types of Solar Windows

There are several emerging technologies behind solar windows:

1. Photovoltaic Glass (PV Glass) – PV glass integrates thin-film solar cells (such as amorphous silicon or perovskite solar cells) into transparent glass panels. These cells convert sunlight into electricity while allowing partial light transmission.
2. Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrators (TLSCs) – TLSCs contain organic molecules that absorb non-visible light (UV and IR) and re-emit it at a different wavelength. The re-emitted light is guided to the window edges, where traditional solar cells convert it into electricity.
3. Quantum Dot Solar Windows – Uses nanomaterials called quantum dots to absorb and convert light more efficiently. These materials enhance transparency while optimising energy conversion.

Benefits of Solar Windows for Commercial Properties

Commercial buildings consume significant energy, especially for lighting, heating, cooling, and electronic systems. Solar windows offer an innovative way to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining a modern aesthetic. Here’s how they benefit commercial properties:

1. Energy Savings & Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of solar windows is their ability to generate electricity without occupying additional space. By converting sunlight into usable energy, they help businesses reduce their reliance on grid electricity and lower operational costs over time.

For commercial buildings with large glass façades, such as office buildings, hotels, shopping centres, and corporate headquarters, this can significantly cut energy expenses—especially during peak daylight hours when businesses consume the most power. Solar windows offer a way to offset energy bills and improve a company’s overall energy efficiency by producing electricity right where it’s needed.

2. Space-Saving & Aesthetic Appeal

Unlike traditional solar panels, which require dedicated roof or ground space, solar windows make use of existing infrastructure—turning an essential architectural feature into an energy-producing asset. This makes them an ideal solution for urban businesses with limited roof space or aesthetic restrictions on external modifications.

Additionally, solar windows blend seamlessly into modern building designs, avoiding the bulkiness of conventional rooftop solar panels. Solar windows provide a visually unobtrusive alternative to harness solar power for commercial buildings, particularly those in historically sensitive areas or those governed by strict planning permissions.

3. Sustainability & Compliance

With the UK government’s net-zero emissions target by 2050, businesses are facing increasing regulatory pressure to improve sustainability practices. Many commercial properties are subject to mandatory energy efficiency compliance requirements, such as:

• The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) – Requires large businesses to assess their energy use and identify savings opportunities.
• Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) – Mandates eligible businesses to report on carbon emissions and energy usage.
• Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) – Impacts commercial landlords by requiring properties to meet energy performance thresholds.

4. Property Value & Tenant Appeal

As businesses and investors increasingly prioritise sustainability, commercial properties that feature renewable energy solutions are seeing an increase in value. Buildings equipped with solar technology, including solar windows, tend to attract high-value tenants who are looking for eco-friendly office spaces that align with their own sustainability goals.

For landlords and property owners, this means:

• Higher rental demand from eco-conscious tenants.
• Improved asset valuation due to enhanced energy efficiency.
• Lower operational costs, making properties more profitable over time.

Many multinational corporations and SMEs seek to lease commercial spaces that align with their corporate sustainability strategies. Installing solar windows can give a commercial property a competitive edge, making it a more attractive choice for forward-thinking tenants.

5. Energy Security & Grid Independence

Another critical advantage of solar windows is enhanced energy security. As electricity prices in the UK continue to rise, businesses increasingly seek ways to stabilise their energy costs and become less dependent on external suppliers.

By generating electricity on-site, solar windows help businesses:

• Reduce reliance on the national grid and fluctuating electricity tariffs.
• Create a buffer against power outages, especially when paired with battery storage.
• Maintain consistent operational costs, avoiding unexpected price hikes.

Solar windows work particularly well when integrated with other renewable energy solutions, such as:

• Battery storage systems – Store surplus energy for use at night or during peak demand.
• Smart grid technology – Allows buildings to optimise energy consumption based on supply and demand.
• Rooftop solar panels – Complements solar windows by maximising total solar energy generation.

Potential Drawbacks and Challenges of Solar Windows

While solar windows offer numerous benefits, there are also some limitations and challenges that commercial property owners need to consider before investing. Understanding these factors is crucial in determining whether they are the right choice for your business.

1. Lower Efficiency Compared to Traditional Solar Panels

One of the main challenges with solar windows is their lower energy conversion efficiency compared to rooftop solar panels. Traditional solar PV panels typically achieve efficiency rates between 18% and 22%, whereas solar windows currently operate at around 5% to 15% efficiency.

This means that solar windows generate less electricity per square metre than a rooftop solar panel, requiring a larger surface area to produce the same amount of energy. For commercial buildings that rely on high energy outputs, solar windows alone may not be enough to meet total energy demands.

2. Higher Initial Investment

Another key challenge is the higher upfront cost of solar PV glass compared to standard glazing and traditional solar panels. The cost of manufacturing and integrating photovoltaic technology into transparent glass panels increases the overall price of installation.

Additionally, solar windows typically require specialised installation and custom fittings, which further adds to the capital expenditure. This means businesses must weigh upfront costs against long-term energy savings to determine whether the investment is financially viable.

3. Integration & Retrofitting Challenges

For newly constructed buildings, solar windows can be incorporated into the design from the outset, making installation seamless and cost-effective. However, for existing commercial buildings, retrofitting solar windows can present challenges.

• Structural Modifications: Older buildings may require reinforcements or adjustments to support the weight and wiring of solar windows.
• Wiring & Electrical Integration: Unlike standard windows, solar PV glass requires an electrical connection to channel the generated power, which may involve extensive wiring work in existing structures.
• Building Regulations & Planning Permissions: Some commercial properties—especially those in historical or conservation areas—may face restrictions on altering window designs.

Solar Windows vs. Rooftop Solar Panels

The comparison between solar windows and rooftop solar panels highlights key differences in efficiency, cost, aesthetics, and ideal applications.

Solar windows are designed for seamless integration into buildings, utilizing existing glass surfaces to generate electricity without altering architectural aesthetics. However, they have lower efficiency (5-10%) compared to traditional solar panels and come at a higher cost per square metre.

Rooftop solar panels, on the other hand, are more efficient (15-22%), have a faster return on investment, and are a proven, cost-effective renewable energy solution. They require dedicated roof space and are more visible, but they generate significantly higher energy output per installed area.

Are Solar Windows Worth the Investment?

Solar windows are an emerging renewable energy technology that offers both energy efficiency and aesthetic benefits. However, their financial viability depends on several factors, including cost, efficiency, payback period, and available incentives.  Here are some analyses to help determine if solar windows are a worthwhile investment for commercial and residential properties.

1. Cost of Solar Windows

Solar windows are more expensive than traditional rooftop solar panels due to the advanced materials and transparent solar cell technology used in their manufacturing.

2. Energy Savings & ROI

Solar windows generate electricity, helping businesses and homeowners reduce their reliance on the grid. However, their lower efficiency means they generate less power per square metre compared to traditional solar panels.

3. Incentives & Government Support

To offset costs, businesses can take advantage of government grants, subsidies, and tax incentives for solar technology. Businesses may recover some costs through incentives, but solar windows do not qualify for as many subsidies as traditional PV panels. In the UK, some potential schemes include:

• Capital Allowances for Renewable Energy – Businesses can write off investments in solar technology.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – Allows businesses to sell excess energy back to the grid (may be limited for solar windows due to lower output)
• Green Loans & Financing – Some banks offer low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades.

Key Factors for UK Businesses to Consider

Before committing to solar windows, UK business owners must evaluate several critical factors to determine whether this technology fits their commercial properties. While solar windows offer unique advantages, their effectiveness and financial return depend on multiple variables, including location, energy usage patterns, and integration with other renewable solutions.

1. Location & Sunlight Exposure

The efficiency of solar windows depends mainly on the amount of sunlight a building receives daily. Buildings located in southern regions of the UK, such as London, Brighton, and Bristol, tend to receive higher solar irradiance than those in the northern areas like Edinburgh or Newcastle. However, even in less sunny locations, solar windows can still contribute to energy savings, particularly when combined with other renewable solutions.

2. Energy Demand & Business Operations

To maximise ROI, solar windows should align with a business’s energy consumption patterns. Since solar windows generate power during daylight hours, they are most beneficial for companies that operate predominantly during the day.

3. Integration with Other Renewable Energy Solutions

Solar windows work best with complementary renewable energy technologies, forming a holistic energy management system that enhances efficiency and cost savings.

Making the Right Solar Investment for Your Commercial Property

As businesses across the UK strive to reduce energy costs and meet sustainability targets, solar windows offer an innovative solution for integrating renewable energy into commercial buildings. While they may not yet match traditional solar PV panels in efficiency, they provide unique benefits such as space-saving installation, aesthetic appeal, and regulatory compliance advantages.

Whether you choose solar windows, traditional rooftop solar panels, or a combination of both, the key to success lies in selecting the right solution tailored to your building’s energy needs. That’s where EvoEnergy comes in—helping UK businesses transition to sustainable energy with expert consultancy, design, installation, and maintenance services.

Get Started with EvoEnergy Today

Want to see how much CO₂ and money your business could save? Try our Solar Panel Calculator and get an instant estimate tailored to your commercial property! Explore EvoEnergy’s Solar & Renewable Energy Services and see how we can help your business make the switch to sustainable power.

Investing in solar energy is a step toward lower costs, greater energy security, and a more sustainable future. Contact EvoEnergy today and let’s create a tailored solar solution for your business!