WA shopping centre raising the bar in global-first trial of a clear solar glass structure

Warwick grove shopping centre in Western Australia has received a world first trial of a clear solar glass structure to generate power for the building.

In a joint venture between Retail property group Vicinity Centres and smart building company ClearVue Technologies, Warwick Grove shopping centre’s glass atrium has been replaced with a new photovoltaic solar glass structure best known for converting the suns energy into electric power.

Twenty-six glass units have been installed covering 27 square metres, they are estimated to generate 1 megawatt-hour each year in total for the centre to use, this is the equivalent to the energy produced by 10 automobile engines.

Vicinity expects to install solar panels across five states in total taking Vicinity’s investment in solar energy to $75 million.

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

“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.”