ABSTRACT
Given that windows significantly impact on the building environment and only make up 10–15% of wall space while contributing 40% of heat loss, it is crucial to maximise the energy efficiency of the glazing used in buildings. This chapter presents the environment which motivated me to take up renewable energy research and my academic path in this research. The importance of semi-transparent solar panels to achieve zero energy buildings and to increase the aesthetic value of the built environment, the challenges in scaling up these solar cells, and ways to enhance their photovoltaic performance are discussed. This chapter includes a section on generating on-site combined heat and power (CHP). This is a highly efficient process that captures and utilises the heat which is a by-product of the electricity generation process. This chapter also reviews the current state-of-the-art science and technology of window glazing systems. The last part discusses future research in vacuum glazing and the possibilities for improving the thermal insulating performance of buildings to achieve the net zero goal.
