ClearVue Technologies has collected a $935,000 research and development (R&D) tax rebate from the Australian Taxation Office for work including field tests on its solar power-generating integrated glazing units (IGU).
The successful claim under the Australian Government’s R&D tax incentive scheme also relates to the company’s development and production of key components such as solar strips and connector blocks, greenhouse research work at Western Australia’s Murdoch University and a research program with D2 Solar in the United States.
Other key activities considered as part of the scheme included testing of its proprietary poly vinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer – a tough plastic resin that is used in between two panes of glass to bond them together.
We maintain a robust pipeline of R&D activities to future-proof and advance our core solutions. Over the past year, we have made strategic investments in our growth by actively engaging in research on emerging technologies to enhance ClearVue products, as well as advancing our existing products available in the market. ClearVue Technologies chief executive officer Martin Deil
The greenhouse research at Murdoch University comprised the construction and operation of a two-year trial facility where most of the original conventional panes were replaced with ClearVue’s power-generating IGUs, with the remaining glass retained for experimental performance comparison and control.
The results of the trial confirm that significant reductions can be achieved in the operating costs of a functional building with windows that are still optically transparent but produce useful power. A surplus of energy could also be obtained.
The company’s solar photo-voltaic (PV) cells are incorporated around the edges of an IGU used in windows. The lamination interlayer between the glass in the IGU incorporates ClearVue’s patented proprietary nano and microparticles and its spectrally selective coatings.
Management says its electricity-generating glazing technology is strategically positioned to complement the increased use of energy-efficient windows now being regulated in response to global climate change and energy efficiency goals.
The company’s PV window technology has applications in the building, construction, agricultural and other industries. It has worked closely with leading experts from the Electron Science Research Institute within Perth’s Edith Cowan University to develop its technologies.
And there seems little doubt ClearVue will put its R&D credit to good use in the development of new building solutions, which seem likely to soon find their way into domestic homes.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: office@bullsnbears.com.au