Photovoltaics

Pilkington support the industry that supply photovoltaic panels and solar collectors for buildings but do not supply these products directly.  Pilkington glass is used in the manufacturing of thin plate panels used in the direct  conversion of solar radiation to electricity.  The high transmission properties of Pilkington Optiwhite™ is also available to maximize the available energy in solar collectors.  See Pilkington Activ™ a self cleaning glass that is ideal for keeping inaccessible roof located solar panels clean.

Solar collectors use the heat from the sun to warm panels supplied with a circulating fluid.  The heat gained is exchanged by passing it through a heat pump that raises the temperature even further and passes it to a hot water storage system providing cheap hot water.  With increasing fuel costs solar collectors are more effective than ever at reducing fuel bills and paying back the cost of installation.