Windows and doors have been cited to account for 25-30 percent of a building’s heating and cooling energy use. What if instead of a source of energy loss, windows and doors generated energy?
By combining Andersen Corporation’s industry-leading window and door innovations with Ubiquitous Energy’s patented transparent solar technology, the two companies recently entered into an agreement to jointly develop first-of-its-kind energy generating window and door products.
The companies are working together to bring products to market that will revolutionize solar generation for residential and light commercial buildings. The products will leverage Ubiquitous Energy’s UE Power™ technology, the only patented and visibly transparent photovoltaic glass coating that harnesses solar power to generate electricity, while remaining almost indistinguishable from traditional windows. With this revolutionary technology, the products the companies are jointly developing are intended to bring renewable energy generation to windows and doors while providing a clear, natural experience that is similar to what is expected from traditional windows and doors.
“By combining Andersen’s expertise in crafting innovative window and door products that deliver quality, design aesthetic and energy efficiency with the unique properties of UE Power™ technology, our vision is to develop products that go beyond energy efficiency to energy generation,” said Brandon Berg, senior vice president, research, development and innovation, Andersen Corporation. “This is a powerful opportunity to leverage our industry leadership, product development expertise and manufacturing capabilities to help bring innovative new products to the marketplace that will improve the homeowner experience and make the world a better place.”
Andersen is a leading investor in Ubiquitous Energy and a longtime pioneer in the window and door industry with more than 225 patents to its name over time. Andersen’s investment in Ubiquitous Energy represents the company’s future-focused interest in advancing the fenestration industry with disruptive technology solutions that have the potential to elevate the industry and contribute to a healthier environment.
The companies began their relationship with an investment from Andersen in Ubiquitous Energy’s Series B financing in 2021. Since then, Ubiquitous Energy has demonstrated significant progress, validating its large area coating equipment with the ability to uniformly coat floor-to-ceiling glass in addition to advancing its next-generation materials pipeline using artificial intelligence. UE Power™ technology serves as a visibly transparent solar panel that adds renewable energy generation capability to window and door glass while maintaining visual aesthetics. Ubiquitous Energy is actively raising funding to accelerate commercialization efforts, including funding for a U.S.-based manufacturing facility that will supply the first transparent solar window and door units to Andersen and other partners and customers.
“We are excited to continue to deepen our relationship with Andersen to together create the first UE Power™ window and door products for residential and light commercial buildings. Our companies have a shared goal of changing the way the world uses solar power and positively impacting the environment in a big way without compromising aesthetics or function,” said Susan Stone, chief executive officer, Ubiquitous Energy.