After eight years of R&D, the first large-sized "power-generating glass" production line in China was kicked off on April 17, marking a stride in the development of green buildings in the nation.
Situated in Shuangliu district of Chengdu City, the production line meets the world's cutting-edge level, capable of turning out PV component cadmium-telluride film, dubbed "power-generating glass," sized 1.92 square meters apiece. It belongs to CNBM (Chengdu) Optoelectronic Materials Co., Ltd. Insiders note that cadmium-telluride films are suited to application on the exterior of buildings, thanks to its good low-light tolerance, facilitating the development of green buildings.
Chu Junhao, member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, points out that "Cadmium telluride film-based PV cell features integration of traditional glass and new material, laying the foundation for materialization of integrated solar-energy buildings. The production line, with own IP property, embodies technological breakthrough in the synthesis of high and pure optoelectronic materials, growth of vacuum crystal, film treatment, and new-type assembly."
Pan Jingung, general manager of CNBM (Chengdu) Optoelectronic Materials, notes that cadmium-telluride films pose as a source of clean energy for growing numbers of glass buildings, overcoming the problems of heat absorption by glass and light pollution. It promises a new green industry with substantial potential, as a piece of "power-generating glass" fetches 1,000 yuan in retail price, compared with 80 yuan for common glass.
(Photo courtesy of CNBM (Chengdu) Optoelectronic Materials)