ClearVue, LandGlass partner on solar vacuum-insulated glass

ClearVue Technologies and LandGlass Technology subsidiary LandVac have inked a non-binding 12-month memorandum of understanding to research, develop, manufacture and commercialise a new class of solar vacuum-insulated glazing.

The proposed partnership will combine ClearVue’s well-established and proven building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) power-generating solar glazing technology with LandVac’s advanced vacuum-insulated glazing.

ClearVue Technologies’ new partner LandVac has designed a modern production facility for its titanium alloy framed, vacuum-insulated glazing units.

The synthesis of the two technologies is a natural fit for the companies.

ClearVue’s solar glazing utilises a framed clear glass sandwich, which encloses photovoltaic components to capture solar energy and generate power. It can also control light and heat transmission.

LandVac’s vacuum-insulated glazing (VIG) comprises a similar thin, framed, tempered-glass sandwich. The sandwich is sealed to create a permanent vacuum, stopping heat transmission between the window’s inner and outer surfaces.

‘LandGlass and ClearVue share the vision of developing the world’s most thermally efficient building materials that also generate energy.’

ClearVue Technologies interim chief executive officer Douglas Hunt

The company is known for its energy-efficient, sound-insulating, anti-condensation vacuum-insulated glass, which is manufactured using titanium and advanced sealing methods.

LandGlass has invested tens of millions of dollars, eight years of research and development and now holds more than 1000 patents on its products, which it sells and distributes in more than 50 countries.

ClearVue says the combination of the two technologies will provide lighter vacuum-insulated solar glazing, cladding and spandrel products with significantly better thermal performance over traditional facade materials.

The improvements promise transformational energy savings, including through reduced weight of both the product and its supporting structures, which also require energy to produce.

ClearVue Technologies interim chief executive officer Douglas Hunt said: “This agreement marks the next step in a collaboration that began in 2023. ClearVue’s proprietary building integrated photovoltaic technology is uniquely compatible with vacuum insulated glazing. LandGlass and ClearVue share the vision of developing the world’s most thermally efficient building materials that also generate energy.”

LandGlass Group founder Yan Zhao said the cooperation would reshape the industry landscape and accelerate global progress in achieving carbon neutrality goals through green building materials.

ClearVue sees its new partnership with LandVac as strong validation of the technologies in current and next-generation products it expects to release soon.

The company’s proposed new solar range will feature innovative glazing products that combine thermal insulation and solar energy generation.

The range will initially include vacuum insulated solar vision glass and solar skylights, spandrels and cladding, likely co-branded and marketed through both companies’ established global distribution networks and licensees.

The 12-month MoU contemplates a joint venture company based in Hong Kong and acting as the entity holding the intellectual property for all new co-developed innovations. Both parties will contribute their respective technologies, expertise and global networks to the partnership.

ClearVue will use LandGlass’s VIG technology exclusively in any vacuum insulated solar solutions it promotes, while LandGlass will use ClearVue’s BIPV technology exclusively in any energy-generating VIG products it promotes or sells.

The Hong Kong joint venture company will cooperatively hold any newly developed intellectual property (IP) and trademarks and will receive a 3 per cent royalty from each party for use of the shared IP.

The joint venture company will concentrate on R&D and IP management and will not sell or market the technologies.

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