1. Photovoltaic Curtain Wall (Solar Glass Curtain Wall)
A photovoltaic curtain wall integrates solar panels or solar glass into the curtain wall system, allowing the building’s façade to generate renewable energy. The photovoltaic (PV) panels are typically embedded in or applied to the glass panels, transforming sunlight into electricity.
✅ Advantages:
Energy Generation – The primary benefit of a photovoltaic curtain wall is its ability to generate renewable energy. This can significantly reduce the building’s energy consumption and even make it partially or fully self-sufficient in terms of electricity.
Sustainability – It contributes to green building certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM) and sustainability efforts, aligning with modern demands for eco-friendly construction practices.
Aesthetic Appeal – Modern solar glass technologies (e.g., transparent or semi-transparent PV glass) maintain aesthetic integrity while still providing energy generation capabilities. Some designs allow for an aesthetically pleasing integration with glass surfaces.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) – PV panels replace traditional materials, turning the façade into a building-integrated solar system, which can be more cost-effective than adding solar panels on top of the building.
Reduced Utility Costs – By generating its own electricity, a building with a photovoltaic curtain wall can reduce reliance on grid power, leading to potential long-term savings.
🔹 Best For:
Sustainable buildings aiming for net-zero energy consumption or renewable energy generation.
Commercial buildings or high-rise office towers where the building envelope can be used for energy generation without compromising the interior environment.
Green building projects seeking BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) solutions for both aesthetic appeal and functional energy efficiency.
2. Glass Curtain Wall
A glass curtain wall is a non-structural, exterior wall system made primarily of glass panels supported by a metal frame (usually aluminum). It provides aesthetic appeal, natural light, and transparency, but does not directly contribute to energy generation.
✅ Advantages:
Aesthetic Flexibility – Glass curtain walls allow for large, uninterrupted glass surfaces that enhance the building’s appearance, making them ideal for creating modern, sleek facades.
Maximized Natural Light – The use of glass allows for high levels of natural light penetration into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and enhancing interior comfort.
Energy Efficiency (with proper glazing) – When paired with energy-efficient glass (e.g., Low-E glass, double glazing, or triple glazing), glass curtain walls can still provide thermal insulation and UV protection, improving the building’s energy performance.
Design Versatility – Glass curtain walls can be customized with various finishes, textures, and tints, allowing for a range of aesthetic possibilities and design choices.
Durability & Low Maintenance – The aluminum framing and modern glass materials are highly durable and require less maintenance than traditional building materials.
🔹 Best For:
Commercial offices, malls, and residential buildings where natural light and visual transparency are key design goals.
Modern buildings that prioritize aesthetic appeal and daylighting while maintaining a sleek and contemporary appearance.
Energy-efficient buildings that incorporate high-performance insulated glazing to balance natural light and thermal comfort.
| Feature | Photovoltaic Curtain Wall | Glass Curtain Wall |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Generation | Generates renewable energy (solar power) | No energy generation, only aesthetic & light control |
| Sustainability | High (contributes to green building goals) | Moderate (can be energy efficient with proper glazing) |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Can be sleek with transparent or semi-transparent PV glass | Modern, transparent, sleek design, but metal framing is visible |
| Initial Cost | High due to cost of solar technology and installation | Moderate (based on glass type and framing material) |
| Energy Efficiency | Can be highly energy-efficient (if well-designed) | Can be energy-efficient if combined with low-e glass and thermal breaks |
| Maintenance | Requires monitoring of solar efficiency, battery systems | Low maintenance if using durable materials like aluminum and high-performance glazing |
| Light Transmission | Lower due to solar glass technology | High, with large glass panels for daylighting |
| Best For | Sustainable, energy-positive buildings, BIPV | Modern commercial, office, or residential buildings focusing on natural light |
Laminated glass
Laminated glass is a composite glass product made by bonding two or more layers of glass with polyvinyl alcohol (PVB) film and then processing them under high temperature and high pressure. Laminated glass made of transparent film has a similar appearance to ordinary annealed glass, but due to the excellent flexibility of PVB film, when laminated glass is impacted by external force, the film layer will quickly absorb a large amount of impact energy and attenuate it, so laminated glass is difficult to be penetrated. Due to the bonding performance of the film layer, the glass will not fall off after being broken, and can maintain excellent integrity. It still has certain shielding performance, which will not cause injury due to glass scattering, and will give enough time to replace the glass. Therefore, laminated glass is a truly safe glass. It is widely used in building doors and windows, curtain walls, skylights, skylights, ceilings, and indoor glass.
| Specifications | 6000mmx2400mm | ||
| Minimum processing size | 600mmx200mm | ||
| Thickness range | 4-40mm | ||
| Product standard | GB9962-1999 “Laminated glass” national standard | ||
| Application areas | application area: partitions, windows, counters, fences, floors, bathrooms. Courtyard, Leisure Facilities, Supermarket, Farmhouse, Laundry, Workshop, Kitchen, School, Bathroom, Babies and kids, Bedroom, Exterior, Dining, Warehouse, Home Office, Staircase, Outdoor, Living Room, Park, Wine Cellar, Office Building, Storage & Closet, Gym, Mall, Entry, Apartment, Sports Venues, Basement, Hospital, Villa, Hotel, Home Bar, Hall, Garage & Shed |
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Product Overview
Thermal stability: Tempered glass has good thermal stability and can withstand a temperature difference of 300°C, which is 3 times that of ordinary glass.
Safety: Tempered glass has strong impact resistance due to the presence of a stress layer, making it difficult to break, and the small blunt-angle particles formed after the glass is broken will not cause significant harm to the human body.
Which One is Right for Your Project?
If you prioritize energy efficiency & corrosion resistance → Fiberglass Curtain Walls
If you want cost-effective, proven performance & design flexibility → Glass Curtain Walls
