Erich Klawuhn, VP business development, Soladigm

25 Aug 2011

Soladigm is a producer of electrochromic (EC) glass that can be tinted when a small electrical charge is applied, to manage heat and light conditions in buildings. The technology can be used to manage the requirements for heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in homes and offices.

Soladigm vice president of business development Erich Klawuhn discusses the potential for the technology in sustainable buildings.

What is Soladigm's technology?

Soladigm manufactures energy-efficient dynamic, or smart, glass, which can switch from clear to tinted on demand. This allows unprecedented control over the amount of light and heat that enters a building.

We have developed Dynamic Glass that uses EC technology and works to meet the key requirements for commercial viability: performance, scale, durability, and cost.

We use traditional float glass to make up our dual pane, insulated Dynamic Glass. We apply the coating directly to the glass and then fabricate the Dynamic Insulated Glass unit, similar to how low-emission [low-e] insulated glass units are made.

Which areas of the building market are showing the most demand for the dynamic glass?

Dynamic Glass can be used for any building that needs to preserve views while reducing energy costs. We see the largest growth in commercial buildings, but strong potential in residential homes as well. Lux Research predicts a $418 million [€289 million] market for dynamic and smart glass, driven primarily by government and commercial facilities.

Where are you selling dynamic glass?

Soladigm is already selling its Dynamic Glass on a pilot level in North America, but is working to ramp up its high-volume production facility to begin producing in 2012. We are also engaging with global customers in the glass and window space to expedite the transition to global scalability. Soladigm already has a strategic relationship with General Electric.

We see Europe as a tremendous growth opportunity, along with Asia and Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and we are working with various partners and suppliers to make inroads in those markets.

What savings and advantages are offered by your glass?

According to the US Green Building Council, buildings are having one of the most profound impacts on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity. In the US alone, buildings account for 72% of the electricity consumption, 39% of energy use and 38% of all carbon dioxide emissions. The US Department of Energy estimates that more than 20% of the energy currently consumed in the country is used for heating, cooling, and lighting commercial and residential buildings.

The cost premium compared to low-e glass will pay for itself at the time of building construction - immediate break-even - with savings in HVAC systems and window coverings. In commercial buildings, 25% of the HVAC energy and more than 30% of the HVAC peak load is reduced by using Soladigm's glass compared to low-e.

Are you looking at the retrofit market?

Soladigm's technology will be available for both new buildings and major retrofits.

What are your plans for the long-term?

Soladigm has been scaling up since July 2010, when we announced the opening of our facility in Olive Branch, Mississippi. We are hitting our key milestones, including having recently surpassed a durability test with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

We are working to bring our product to market, and bring our factory online in 2012. After that, we will continue to scale globally, delivering our product across broad window supply channels in the US, Europe and other areas. We will also continue to invest in R&D, where we have a strong vision for product enhancements and new applications.

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