Solar-Powered Window Blinds: Thin-Film Panels Replace Traditional Roller Blinds

On April 14th, LIXIL Group announced that it will begin accepting orders for its "PV (Photovoltaic) Curtain System" starting in June. The product, a roll-up solar power generation system designed for indoor use, will be offered through its wholly owned subsidiary, LIXIL Renewal, based in Sumida, Tokyo. Initially targeted at public facilities and businesses in the Kanto region, the company plans to expand its reach as it monitors market response and order volume.

The PV Curtain System is a flexible solar panel that can be retrofitted into windows and used just like an ordinary roller blind. This building-integrated solution is not only easy to install and maintain but also incorporates thoughtful design that ensures both privacy and an unobstructed view.

The system utilizes thin-film silicon solar cells as its power generation components. It features USB-Type C and DC connectors, allowing the electricity it generates to be used without any wiring. Each solar panel can produce enough power to charge up to nine smartphones or three laptops per day, depending on the season and installation environment.

There are two types of curtain options available: one that completely blocks out light (opaque fabric) and another that is semi-transparent (frame-type). The unique design includes sealed tracks on both sides of the curtain, which helps reduce glare and heat penetration from the sides, with winter insulation efficiency increased by approximately two times.

Supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), testing of the system has been ongoing since 2022 with the goal of rapid social implementation. During the development phase, the curtain version provided excellent light-blocking capabilities. However, the current mass production model is semi-transparent, allowing soft light to filter into rooms while blocking only glare. Additionally, the absence of a battery installation within the vertical frame has helped reduce costs.