NEW ENERGY RIPPLES THRU THE ECONOMY

Smart Glass; Electrochromic, Suspended Particle, Thermochromic, and Liquid Crystal Glass Technologies for Architectural and Transportation Applications: Global Market Analysis and Forecasts

2Q 2012 (Pike Research)

“Smart glass, also referred to as switchable, dimmable, or dynamic glass or glazing, varies the light transmittance and thermal properties of windows depending on changing ambient conditions and the needs of users and occupants. This class of high-performance glazing products offers significant energy efficiency, aesthetic, and user comfort and wellbeing benefits as compared to conventional “static” glazing…

“…[B]uilding and automotive design trends are showing a greater use of glass. Concurrently, changes in building codes and increased adoption of green building standards point to design challenges in managing heat gain and glare from increased glazing area ratios. Smart glass addresses these various market drivers.”

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“Starting from a low base, smart glass for use in architectural and transportation facades, windows, and privacy screens is forecast to become a nearly $700 million sector of the flat glass market by 2020…The market will be dominated by architectural applications…[and] mirroring…

“…[M]arket figures for flat glass globally…are heavily skewed toward the buildings sector. Significant new production capacity entering the market in the near term will help drive down production costs and reduce the substantial price premium between static and dynamic glass, contributing to increased market share…”

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