‘Clean-tech' generating buzz for “smart glass” technology

[TintDude]

Published: December 31, 2007 6:00 a.m.

‘Clean-tech' tackles energy needs

By Thomas Lee

Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune

FARIBAULT, Minn. – At the Sage Electrochromics plant in Faribault, glass is everywhere. Sheets of it lie on conveyor belts waiting to be cleaned, inspected and coated. Samples of glass lie in FedEx boxes, awaiting the eager eyes of architects. And of course, glass covers the exterior of the building, so much so that, on a clear sunny day, outdoors seems to be indoors.

In the middle of this glass castle sits Chief Executive John Van Dine, who pauses for a moment to sum up Sage’s prospects.

“We have a company in Faribault that is a global leader in a technology that will have a big impact on the world,” he said. “But no one knows it.”

That soon may change. Sage is generating buzz among investors for its “smart glass” technology, which allows users to adjust the tint of windows depending on a building’s temperature and energy needs. With the press of a button, users can tint windows during the summer to reduce glare and solar heat, eliminating the need for ugly curtains or blinders. Users also can brighten windows in the winter to trap more heat. For building owners, that means lower air conditioning and heating bills. For bleary-eyed cubicle drones, that means more natural light and a view of the outside world.

“I think they have a very unique and interesting technology that will have a high value in the market place,” said Steve Mercil, chief executive of Rain Source Capital, a St. Paul, Minn. venture capital firm and a major investor in Sage. “Anyone who has a window they want to look out of ... will value the technology right from the start.”

The company recently secured $16 million in venture capital financing.

Though it was founded in 1989, Sage may be only just hitting its stride. With growing concern about climate change and dwindling oil supplies, investors are flocking to “clean-tech” companies that specialize in alternative energy, pollution, recycling, power supplies and conservation. Venture capitalists invested a record $844 million in 62 deals during the quarter nationwide. Clean-tech firms captured three of the five top deals in the quarter, with one for more than $100 million.

“The investor money says a lot for the potential for (Sage) technology,” said Dan Carr, president of the Collaborative, a Minneapolis non-profit organization that assists entrepreneurs. “I think the timing is spectacular for a company like Sage.”

What’s more, businesses ranging from corporate giants such as the Travelers Companies to small community banks such as Park Midway are investing in “green” buildings that conserve energy, use less water, recycle waste and are constructed using sustainable materials.

Progressive-leaning companies want to be known as being green, Van Dine said. “No one wants to be left behind.”

A chemical engineer by training, Van Dine first conceived of Sage almost 20 years ago in a small laboratory in New York. Realizing that glass was the least energy-efficient material found in a building, Van Dine decided that “the potential to save energy was as big if not larger than creating solar energy,” he said.

By shooting a low-voltage current though special coatings on glass, Van Dine discovered that he could manipulate how the glass absorbs or reflects light and heat from the sun. Each 1,500 square feet of Sage glass uses the same amount of electricity as a 60-watt light bulb.

Citing data from the U.S. Energy Department’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, Sage claims its technology can reduce a building’s annual energy bill by as much as 28 percent and cut on-peak demand for electricity by as much as 25 percent.

The company won an early round of funding from Rutgers University, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense.

At this point, Sage could explore a number of options, including an initial public offering, remaining independent or being bought by another company, Van Dine said.

But because Sage is the only company in the world that mass produces such technology for a big market, going public might make sense, said Mercil of Rain Source.

While energy savings is a major selling point, Van Dine pitches his technology in even broader terms.

Sage glass can greatly improve the mental health of workers by offering natural light, comfortable temperatures and pleasing outside views, he said.

America’s main competitive advantage in the global economy “is the creativity and productivity of people,” Van Dine said. “We need to be healthy. We don’t feel healthy if we are trapped in a building all day.”

[Guest Sprinter]

seems like it will be right around the corner that this glass will be installed and retrofitted for energy savings around the world.

[Filmhandler]

This technology has been around for some time. Taliq Corp. in Sunnyvaly,CA come up with similar product with LCD film on the glass with a potentio meter to control the degree of darkness 12 years ago. Aviation industry has been using this glass in the cockpit to reduce the glare for the pilots.But opaque nature of this glass will make it a hard sell in today's commercial & residential market. But it is all in the marketing......... remember nano- ceramics????

[Guest tintgod]

remember nano- ceramics????

never heard of it..

[Guest goldtooth]

never heard of it..

for real

[TINTZEUS]

I do know that Mercedes-Benz is very interested is this technology...and will be used in thier cars, when its ready.......

[Guest tintgod]

for real

no...im just being a JACKAZZ... ..I have heard of nano-ceramic

[Guest metro jim]

You can buy this glass already there are about 6 companies working with/on this idea/product. I saw a cars sun roof with this tecnology (not in person) and with a twist of a dial was able to control the level of light all the way to a complete blackout. In the up close picture all you saw was a screen like thing in the glass (kinda like the in glass defroster from mercedes). 2 of the companies already have glass that turn glass to frosted glass, or in to a blackout with the flip of a switch. The odd thing the window uses constent power when its clear (though not much) and becomes frosted when the power is turned off. I Think US glass mag had an article on this technology with the adjustable tintint and said that it would be way to costly for the average persons glass needs, so that small glass shops (and tint shops!) shouldn't have to worry about it any time soon. But it does make ya think.

[Guest tint51]

You can buy this glass already there are about 6 companies working with/on this idea/product. I saw a cars sun roof with this tecnology (not in person) and with a twist of a dial was able to control the level of light all the way to a complete blackout. In the up close picture all you saw was a screen like thing in the glass (kinda like the in glass defroster from mercedes). 2 of the companies already have glass that turn glass to frosted glass, or in to a blackout with the flip of a switch. The odd thing the window uses constent power when its clear (though not much) and becomes frosted when the power is turned off. I Think US glass mag had an article on this technology with the adjustable tintint and said that it would be way to costly for the average persons glass needs, so that small glass shops (and tint shops!) shouldn't have to worry about it any time soon. But it does make ya think.

Also to add one thing , still have to run low voltage.. Maybe should have Solar cells running that part to save even more cost of power.

[Guest teamfutaba]

was doing a job for world foods in miami. one of the exec's was telling me about there confrence room in another city, I dont remember where. the glass was auto tinting (blackout) with the flick of a switch. 5 pannels cost 100 grand..