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Window

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[edit] Introduction

Windows are openings fitted with glass to admit light and allow people to see out. They are often openable to allow ventilation.

Although the historic use of glass dates back to the Romans, glass windows only became common domestically in England in the early-17th century, gradually becoming more versatile and widespread as plate glass processes were perfected during the Industrial Age.

England, France, Ireland and Scotland introduced a window tax during the 18th and 19th centuries which was payable based on the number of windows in a house. It is still common to see buildings from that period with windows that were bricked-up to avoid the tax. The tax was repealed in 1851.

[edit] Elements of a window

Windows are can include a number of different components:

• Light — The area between the outer parts of a window, usually filled with a glass pane.
• Frame — This holds the light in place and supports the window system.
• Lintel — A beam over the top of a window.
• Jamb — The vertical parts forming the sides of the frame.
• Sill (or cill) — The bottom piece in a window frame, often projecting beyond the line of the wall.
• Mullion — A vertical element between two windowunits or lights.
• Transom — A horizontal element between two windowunits or lights.
• Head — The uppermost member of the frame.
• Sash — The frame holding the glazing.
• Casement — A window (or sash) attached to its frame by one or more hinges.

[edit] Materials

It is important that windows be made of suitable and durable materials:

• With good thermal and sound insulation properties.
• Capable of resisting wind, and rain.
• Easy to clean.
• Providing safety and security.

Most styles of windows are available in a number of different materials. Traditionally, windows were made of timber, either hardwood or softwood, and often protected against decay using paint or a natural wood finish. This finish requires regular maintenance.

Steel and aluminium alloy windows are capable of creating larger areas of glass with a thinner frame. However, historically, these could give rise to condensation on the metal components.

PVC windows are capable of providing excellent heat and sound insulation, as well as requiring little maintenance. However, they may have a shorter life than a well-maintained timber window.

The efficiency of windows is improved by double glazing, treble glazing, low-e coatings, the construction of the frame, the type of glass, the gas used to fill the sealed unit and so on. Generally, more efficient windows are more expensive, but the capital cost may be recovered during the life of the window life through lower energy bills. In addition, the conditions within the enclosed space are likely to be more comfortable.

The BFRC Window Energy Rating (WER) scheme is based on a traffic-light style A-G ratings system for energy efficiency similar to that used for fridges, washing machines, cookers and so on. An A rating indicates a good level of energy efficiency, whilst G is the lowest possible rating.

[edit] Opening type

[edit] Fixed light

A window that is fixed in place and cannot be opened. Often used where light or vision alone is required rather than ventilation, but fixed lights are commonly used in conjunction with other openable types of window.

[edit] Vertical slider/sash

Glass is fitted in ‘sashes’ (moveable panels) that slide vertically past each other:

• Single-hung sash: One sash is moveable and the other is fixed.
• Double-hung sash: Sashes are hung on spring balances or counterweights and made up of two sashes that overlap slightly and slide up and down vertically inside the frame.
• Horizontal sliding sash: Two sashes that overlap slightly and slide horizontally on guide rails within the frame.

[edit] Casement

An opening window fixed to the frame by hinges along one of its edges:

• Side hung casement: The sash side opens outwards.
• Top hung casement: The sash top opens outwards. Also known as awning windows.
• Bottom hung casement: The sash bottom opens inwards. Also known as hopper windows.

Casement windows preceded sash windows in the UK and traditionally opened inwards, although now they more commonly open outwards so as to free space inside and better direct air inwards for ventilation.

Casement windows require a metal bar called a ‘stay’ to hold them open. Different types are available such as the peg type (the stay has holes along it which allow it to fit over pegs), telescopic (tube shaped), and friction (a bent arm allows the window to open to 180-degrees).

[edit] Tilt and turn

Tilt and turn windows Include a mechanism that allows them to tilt inwards from one edge or to open inwards from one side. The stability of the mechanism allows tilt and turn windows to be larger than casement windows. They are also easy to clean from the inside.

[edit] Pivot

Pivot windows are hung on one hinge at centre points on each of two opposite sides. This allows the window to revolve when opened. The pivots can either be vertical, with the hinges mounted top and bottom, or horizontal, with the hinges mounted at each jamb. Pivot hinges incorporate a friction device that enables the window to hold itself open against its own weight. Pivot windows tend to be more expensive than casement windows but can allow for easy cleaning access.

[edit] Bi-fold

These are made up of a number of individual sashes, usually 2, 3 or 4, hinged together. They can be opened up in a concertina style and stacked neatly against each other at the side of the window frame.

[edit] Louvre

These windows use a series of parallel pieces of glazing that are hung on centre pivots positioned at intervals down the vertical jambs that allow them to open and close using a crank or lever. They allow for good ventilation with only small projections.

[edit] Other types

• Tilt and slide window — The sash tilts inwards at the top and slides horizontally behind the fixed pane.
• Toplight — These are usually above doors.
• Sidelight — Positioned beside a door or main window.
• Skylight — These are windows positioned in the roof. The brand name ‘Velux’ has become associated with opening domesticrooflights.
• Clerestory — Bands of windows across the tops of buildings that allow natural light in without compromising privacy or security.
• Bay window — Multi-panel windows that project in front of the external wall line, being supported by a sillheight wall.
• Bow window — A curved bay window.
• Multi-lite window — Windowsglazed with small panes of glass separated by glazing bars, or muntins.They can be arranged decoratively to suit aesthetic needs or architectural styles.
• Stained glass window — Decorative windows made of coloured glass separated by glazing bars, popular in churches and Victorian houses.
• Topguided — Tracks and slides enable the top to slide downwards whist the bottom opens out.
• Sidehung — A variation on a casement window, side opening controlled by tracks and slides.
• Dormer window — A small roofed structure that projects outwards from the main pitched roof of a building. See Dormer window for more information.
• Rooflight — A domelight, lantern light, skylight, ridge light, glazedbarrel vault or other element intended to admit daylight through a roof.
• Roof window — A window that is in the same plane as the surrounding roof, and has a minimum pitch of 15-degrees. See also Velux window.

[edit] Number of panes

Thermal performance and acoustic requirements will typically determine the need for:

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:

[edit] External references

• https://www.sashwindowslondonltd.co.uk/bespoke-products/double-glazed-sash-windows/
• https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/14/doors_and_windows
• http://www.build.com.au/styles-and-types-windows
• ‘BuildingConstruction Handbook’ (6th ed.), CHUDLEY, R., GREENO, R., Butterworth-Heinemann (2007)
• http://www.rationel.co.uk/windows-doors/

Comments

Great post, really interesting read!

I had my windows installed and maintained by a company called Hugo Carter. They were incredible, truly couldn’t recommend them more!

Solar windows: can you turn your windows into solar glass?

Soon, your home may be able to generate solar power from places other than your roof. As the solar market evolves and expands, companies are looking into new solar technologies aimed at spreading solar energy generation beyond traditional rooftop and ground-mount solar panels. One such idea, solar panel windows, has gained momentum recently, and could represent part of the solar market’s future.

Key takeaways about solar windows

• Solar windows are generally an experimental technology that aren’t widely available or effective
• Solar windows are considered “building-integrated photovoltaics”, or BIPV technology
• You can compare quotes for a solar installation on the EnergySage Marketplace to see how you can save with solar

What is a solar panel window, and how does it work?

Any type of technology that uses windows on buildings to generate electricity from the sun could be classified as a “solar panel window.” Solar window technology (sometimes referred to as solar glass) isn’t ready for commercial production yet, which means that they aren’t available for you to install in your home. However, there are several technologies being developed that could hit the mass market in the near future.

Transparent solar panel windows would hypothetically be able to replace standard glass window panes, while traditional solar panels are an addition to a previously installed roof. As a result, this type of solar technology is often referred to as “building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).” Tesla’s solar roof is another recent technology that fall under the BIPV umbrella. BIPV technologies offer many potential benefits – many homeowners love them because they can be much more aesthetically appealing and easier to maintain than traditional solar options, depending on the type of installation.

Why isn’t solar glass technology everywhere? The simple answer is functionality. Traditional opaque solar panels use photovoltaic technology , meaning they capture energy in the form of light and use it to generate electricity. Because windows are meant to let light through, windows that act as solar panels need to reconcile letting incoming light through to illuminate a room and also capturing incoming light to use for energy production. A solar window that doesn’t let enough light simply acts as a vertically mounted solar panel; if it lets too much light in, the window can’t generate enough electricity to be cost-effective. For solar panel windows to impact the solar market, they need to become truly building-integrated and unobtrusive by utiliizing transparent solar panel technology.

Solar window technologies: who manufactures solar panel windows?

There are several technologies either in development or early production stages that fall under the umbrella of “solar windows.”

Physee PowerWindows

The only currently installed solar windows are made by Physee, called PowerWindow . Physee’s product uses small solar panels installed along the edges of glass panes to generate electricity from the sun. They are only installed in one building in the world, a Dutch bank with over 300 square feet of the PowerWindows. The windows generate enough power to charge a smartphone a few times a day, and can’t act as a standalone power source for buildings yet.

Transparent solar panels

When it comes to solar panel windows that generate power from the glass itself, the technology is much further away. The key to a future with true transparent solar windows may involve nanotechnology. If windows can be designed with quantum dot technology , enough energy may be able to be harnessed from the sun while still letting light through the glass window pane the quantum dots are housed in.

In theory, quantum dots embedded in glass windows would be able to absorb light and re-emit it as infrared light towards solar cells housed at the edges of window panels, which would be used to generate power. Again, this technology is not available yet and may not be for years, but it represents an opportunity to make fully transparent solar panel windows a reality.

Solar panel blinds

One similar solution currently in late-stage development is solar panel blinds . Instead of the actual window producing energy, a company has designed blinds that can be hung either inside or outside of a window that have small solar panels installed along them. The blinds can be set to automatically rotate to follow the sun throughout the day, optimizing energy production and efficiency.

How to find the right solar solution for your home

Solar windows are barely beginning to touch the market, and remain highly inefficient and expensive. While solar panel windows aren’t commercially available yet, the cost of installing traditional solar panels is falling rapidly, and advances in manufacturing mean that they are more efficient than ever. Visit the EnergySage Solar Marketplace to receive competitive quotes for your property from reputable local installer s. Whether your top priority is aesthetics, long-term savings, or initial investment, reviewing and comparing offers from multiple providers is the best way to solar shop for your home effectively and intelligently.

About Jacob Marsh

Jacob is a researcher and content writer at EnergySage, where he focuses primarily on current issues–and new technology!–in the solar industry. With a background in environmental and geological science, Jacob brings an analytical perspective and passion for conservation to help solar shoppers make the right energy choices for their wallet and the environment. Outside of EnergySage, you can find him playing Ultimate Frisbee or learning a new, obscure board game.

21 thoughts on “ Solar windows: can you turn your windows into solar glass? ”

This is really appreciated that you have presented this data over here solar panel windows solar blinds, I love all the information shared. It will be very helpful to understand the 2020 home decor trends. Great post to share!!

This is really appreciated that you have presented this data over here, I love all the information shared. It will be very helpful to understand the solar panel windows solar blinds Great post to share!!

Hello
Can we design the solar pannels of window size like 46*29 inches, this is the common standerd design of flat windows.
Can we replace whole transparent window with solar pannel having same size.

Your answer is higly appropriated.

Hi have solar sister house bold in 1982 hi have the front the house is all glass but I need to replete the house is 2 store high

What is the possibility of having a solar screen? On it’s own or in bedded in the window? Most home windows have screens and it does not greatly effect the amount of light.

How about WindowSolar Technologies (WNDW).

yes, What about Solarwindow Technologies? they now have transparent window technology. Will you be updating your commentary?