The difference between a glass factory and a solar factory

What is solar panel glass?

Solar glass that is used in manufacturing solar panels is not like ordinary glass; it has one or both sides with an anti-reflective coating. Solar panel glass is designed to optimize energy efficiency by guaranteeing that more sunlight is transformed into power, therefore lowering our dependence on fossil fuels.

How does the glass industry meet its energy needs?

The Chinese glass industry meets its energy needs with fuel oil (13.1%), natural gas (15.5%), coal (44.3%), electricity, and other sources (27.1%). On the other hand, the USA and Europe use natural gas as an energy source in the glass industries with a share of 80% and 90%, respectively (Zier et al. 2021).

Why is solar glass better than regular glass?

Under extended UV light exposure, ordinary glass can break down, eventually losing its transparency and efficiency. But UV radiation is designed out of solar glass. Unlike regular glass that might discolor or weaken, this resilience ensures that the glass stays clear and efficient at capturing sunlight for many years.

How does a glass furnace consume energy?

Biomass material absorbs carbon dioxide during growth and releases energy during combustion by releasing the carbon dioxide it contains (Abuelnuor et al. 2014). Generally, glass furnaces consume about 80% of the total energy consumed in a glass factory (Sardeshpande et al. 2011; Sardeshpande et al. 2007; Zier et al. 2021).