The desire, and need, to completely subsidize building energy costs for everything from heating to lighting is beginning to be more of a reality. Post the conception of integrated solar power the most common use has been discreet roof top tiles that appear to be regular roofing material but are actually solar panels.

Now RSi Solar has added to this conception with the announcement of the “world’s first transparent, photovoltaic glass window”. The company claims it can save up to 50 percent on heating and cooling requirements for a building.

Depending on the size, these photovoltaic windows will generate 80 – 250 watts each. That is amazing in itself but what I really like are the fact that while these solar windows are harnessing the sun’s abundant energy, they reduce heat. This of course results in less energy needed to cool a building. Oh and as an added bonus they also provide 100 percent UV reduction and infrared radiation plus they can be made bulletproof or tailored to specific weather and climate needs.

RSi has plans in place to install these bad boys into buildings in Hollywood and Vegas. These windows sound amazing and I would love to have the chance to actually stand behind one and marvel at its creation. I would prefer to have that day come when they are install in my apartment building and not have to travel to the one or two locations where they actually get put into use.

[Source: Treehugger]