by Shane Henson — November 28, 2012—The worldwide market for smart glass will grow from $84 million today to nearly $700 million in 2020 as more building owners and facilities managers learn that using the material is a smart way to make their buildings more energy efficient, according to a recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.
As Pike Research notes, 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.
“While significant barriers stand in the way of the broader adoption of smart glass—chief among them reliability and price—the market potential for smart glass is high,” says senior research analyst Eric Bloom. “As long-term performance is proven, prices decline, and substantial returns on investment are demonstrated, designers, engineers, and building managers will find expanding applications for these innovative materials.”
Pike Research’s report, Smart Glass, provides an overview of the various smart glass technologies that are gaining traction in the marketplace and describes the applications best suited to smart glass in the buildings, automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors. Market forecasts are provided through 2020 for global demand and market value, segmented by the architectural and transportation sectors, along with a review of key industry players, says Pike Research.
