3M is expanding our conception of what window film is by embedding flexible solar panels inside of window film. The combination of products is touted to not only block heat, but also generate enough electricity in 1 square meter to charge an iPhone in peak sunlight. This window film has low reflectivity, but high solar absorptance to maximize the electricity generated.
Although in concept this is clearly a product of the future, the product specifications now do not seem to mass-market ready with issues like:
- greenish hue
- 1/5 the efficiency of traditional solar panel
- half the cost of solar panels
Looking forward to see 3M iterate and improve on this product in 2012 and beyond.
