Global-first trial of a clear solar glass structure at Vicinity Centres

Vicinity Centres has partnered with smart building company ClearVue Technologies to launch a global-first trial of a clear solar glass structure installed at Warwick Grove shopping centre in Western Australia. 

The centre’s existing glass atrium has been replaced by a new structure that uses ClearVue’s clear, photovoltaic solar glass (PV glass), which collects infra-red light and deflects it to the surface edge where it’s converted to electricity. ClearVue’s solar PV glass is completely transparent and the first of its kind used in a commercial venture globally. 

Vicinity Centres Executive General Manager Shopping Centre Management Justin Mills, said: “We’re excited to be trialling such innovative, leading-edge technology and embarking on a global-first in solar energy application. ClearVue could transform the way we use glass in our centres, which reinvents the way we harvest renewable energy, reduces our exposure to the volatile energy market and our carbon footprint – a key focus for Vicinity.” 

“We see great potential in trialling new technology, such as ClearVue’s PV glass, as we expand the solar program and innovation pipeline across our portfolio of shopping centres and as we explore mixed-use developments.” 

The clean energy generated by the new solar glass atrium will provide the centre with electricity and create a more sustainable and connected destination for our community. 

ClearVue Executive Chairman, Victor Rosenberg said: “Vicinity has taken a leadership position in renewable energy in the property sector which is why we wanted to partner with them.

Vicinity has already committed to $73 million of investment in shopping centre solar – the largest project of its kind in Australia – across 22 centres with a total capacity of 31 megawatts and to be completed in 2019.

“The Warwick Grove project is a major milestone for us. It’s the first physical site where people can see ClearVue’s PV glass being used and performing in a commercial setting. It enables us to demonstrate the many benefits of ClearVue’s PV glass technology for building owners and operators.” he continued.

Vicinity and ClearVue will monitor the trial at Warwick Grove, with the potential to explore other opportunities.