NEXT Energy Technologies has upgraded its pilot production line to create large, transparent, power-generating windows measuring 40” x 60”. These are the biggest transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) windows ever made, showcasing the scalability of NEXT’s automated slot-die coating process.
This milestone brings the glass industry closer to producing full-scale solar-powered facades. NEXT’s OPV coating tackles key challenges—appearance, efficiency, and manufacturability—by offering a neutral grey tint, efficient power generation, and seamless integration into existing glass production.
Andy Cohen, Gensler Co-Chairman, said “The combination of highest quality aesthetics, power generation, and integration with the glass supply chain is a game changer in the push towards designing Net Zero buildings. Just mid-last year, we were demonstrating NEXT’s 27” x 35” OPV windows at our office in LA, and with this larger window format, we have sustainable building projects in our sights.”
Daniel Emmett, Co-Founder, Executive Chairman, and CEO of NEXT, mentioned “This milestone is further evidence to an industry hungry for a solution that our combination of OPV coatings and advanced manufacturing processing is working, scaling, and can be rapidly deployed. It’s a proof point that builds high confidence in our path to enabling 60” x 120” commercial production.”
The company is now working with partners in the US and Europe to install demonstration projects while scaling up for full production. NEXT is also pursuing UL certification for safety and performance in grid-connected applications. Buildings using these OPV windows can generate 20-25% of their energy needs while reducing HVAC costs by converting infrared light.
