Glass generating electricity put into mass production

A form of glass which generates electricity has put into mass production in Sichuan's capital, Chengdu after 8 years of research and development.

File photo of CNBM（Chengdu） Optoelectronic Material Company that produces the glass that generates electricity [Photo: VCG]

The production line is said to be able to produce a 1.92 square meters piece of glass with cadmium telluride, a thin film that can generate electricity, which is being recommended for exterior building decoration.

Chu Junhao with the Chinese Academy of Sciences says the glass-based cadmium telluride is a novel approach that combines traditional glass with new materials. He says it lays a solid foundation for the mass production of photovoltaic-buildings.

Producers of the glass contend there is a growing trend toward using glass one the exterior of buildings. However, normal glass absorbs heat and creates light pollution. Cadmium telluride-generated glass creates electricity to provide clean energy for the building.