Earth911 Podcast: Putting Solar Generation Everywhere With Ubiquitous Energy’s Veeral Hardev

How can we sustainably harvest more energy and move it to where it is needed? The United States’ annual energy consumption requires about one-quarter of 1% of the 174 petawatts the sun sends to Earth daily. The prospect of new solar generation capacity created by placing transparent solar cells in windows and other surfaces will transform how we think about power management, buildings serving as largely self-sufficient electric grids, and our ability to place efficiency-enhancing functionality in windows. Veeral Hardev, vice president of corporate strategy at Ubiquitous Energy, a developer of transparent solar technology, joins the conversation to discuss the path to plentiful power and self-powering intelligent devices and vehicles.

Ubiquitous Energy’s 3 x 5 foot UE Power windows for commercial buildings and homes generate about 200 watt-hours of electricity a day, preventing some heating of indoor spaces by sunlight by capturing about 20% of the energy passing through window glass. The company envisions using its thin-film technology as a power source embedded in greenhouses and partially or fully self-powering consumer electronics and vehicles. Veeral discusses how to make photovoltaics sustainable and reshape the grid to deliver the best value to consumers and businesses. Ubiquitous Energy says it uses abundant materials sourced with minimal environmental impacts. You can learn more about Ubiquitous Energy at ubiquitous.energy.

Originally aired May 8, 2023