"Smart" Glass technology?

[supastar1568]

I just read an article of windows that can be tinted with the flick of switch or pre-programmed on a set schedule. Similar to transition eyeglass lenses except that the tint can be manually controlled. Most of the applications are for large industrial sized buildings for energy savings.

Do you think this technology will ever make it to residential homes? I think I could see a use for it. Wouldn't need blinds anymore, just flick your switch and your windows go to to fully tinted. The whole "green" thing wouldn't hurt either.

 

[Anubis]

you can already get auto dimming windows for the home
they just cost a ton of money

they have been around for a while. you just send an electric current into them to get them to change

 

[Jeff7]

Sure, if they're price-competitive with curtains...

 

[Newbian]

Someone needs to post a price comparison of those windows compared to normal ones.

Sure in commercial buildings it might work over the long run.

 

[Phoenix86]

Sure, if they're price-competitive with curtains...

Preventing the energy from entering the home > blocking the energy between the curtains and window so there's savings to be had by the former. Wonder how significant the difference is though...

 

[Jeff7]

Preventing the energy from entering the home > blocking the energy between the curtains and window so there's savings to be had by the former. Wonder how significant the difference is though...

White curtains then. Reflect the sunlight back outside before it has a chance to be absorbed (well...most of it) and re-emitted as IR that can't get through the glass.


But, I guess if you prefer to be able to see outside....

 

[supastar1568]

Yeah, I would assume the payback period on commercial buildings would be much sooner than that on residential homes. However, a savings is a savings and like Phoenix86 said, preventing energy from entering the home is more effective than sandwiching it between the window and the curtains.