# Energy-Collecting Smart Windows The Physee 'PowerWindows' are an Eco-Friendly Design Option By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-07-13 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/physee-powerwindows References: [homecrux](http://www.homecrux.com/2017/07/12/74405/physees-powerwindows-comes-built-solar-panels.html) & [physee.eu](http://www.physee.eu/products#powerwindow) Our existing structures have the ability to be retrofitted to be far more efficient, so solutions like the Physee 'PowerWindows' are being created in order to make it a more realistic endeavor. The windows work by implementing [solar cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion) into the edge of the panelling in order to make them appear as traditional windows while passively collecting energy from the sun. This can help to make buildings energy neutral as seen with the [Rabobank](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rotterdam-urban-winery) headquarters where the windows were installed on a total of 323 square feet of the building. The Physee 'PowerWindows' collect the energy from the sun and then [store it in an accompanying battery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balcony-energy-storage-unit) to use it for charging/powering electronics, lights and much more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Energy-collecting Smart Windows:** The trend of using solar power on windows can help make buildings energy neutral. - **Retrofitting Existing Structures for Efficiency:** Retrofitting existing structures with energy efficient technologies is a growing trend in architecture. - **Passive Energy Collection:** Passive energy collection technology is disrupting the traditional methods of generating power. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architectural Services:** Architectural firms can tap into the trend of retrofitting existing structures with energy-efficient technologies. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can benefit from the passive energy collection technology trend. - **Building Materials Manufacturing:** Manufacturers of building materials can capitalize on the trend of implementing solar cells into windows and other building components. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Squid-Inspired Smart Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Rejuvenated Former Bank Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/former-bank-building.md) - [Window-Emulating Lighting Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/window-chronicles.md) - [Sunlight-Mimicking Panelled Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunne-lamp.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [Automated Window Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorized-window-shades.md) - [Energy-Harvesting Camper Awnings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xponent-power-xpanse-awning.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md)