Trent Glass has received a new delivery of semi-transparent solar glass with 40% light transmission. The solar double-glazed units will be paired with our specially commissioned steel frames to form the roof of a greenhouse building at a farm in Derbyshire.
Daylight, insulation and electricity generation
This glazing brings three functions together: it lets daylight through, provides thermal insulation through its double-glazed construction, and incorporates photovoltaic cells that generate electricity from sunlight.
The spaced solar cells leave transparent areas between them. With 40% light transmission, the panels are intended to allow daylight into the greenhouse while making use of the roof area for solar generation.
How this differs from conventional solar panels
Conventional opaque rooftop solar panels generate electricity but do not let daylight through into the space below. They are not insulating double-glazed roof units. Likewise, single-glazed photovoltaic glass has no sealed insulating cavity, so it does not provide the thermal insulation of an insulating double-glazed unit.
For this Derbyshire greenhouse project, our semi-transparent solar double glazing combines 40% light transmission, thermal insulation and electricity generation. Paired with the bespoke steel frames, it is intended to serve as the greenhouse roof while admitting daylight.
Bespoke steel frames for the roof
The glass is being supplied with steel frames made specifically for this project. The photographs show the newly arrived solar glazing alongside the matching steelwork before installation on the farm greenhouse.
New arrival for a Derbyshire farm project
This update records the arrival of the glazing and steel frames. Roof installation and electrical connection are the next stages; the photographs do not show a completed or commissioned solar roof.
Considering solar glazing for a greenhouse, canopy or other building? Contact Trent Glass to discuss the intended use, dimensions, daylight requirements and supporting structure.
