1. BUILD WITH LIGHT®
Building Integrated Photovoltaic
SunGuard PVGU
GENERATE ELECTRICITY WITH NEW GLAZING SOLUTION
Introducing the
industry’s first
solar window to
simultaneously deliver
energy efficiency,
high power density
and optimized
daylighting.
What is BIPV Glass?
BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) glass is a photovoltaic glazing solution that
replaces a conventional glazing product with one that generates electricity. Typical
applications include curtain walls, windows and skylights.
What is SunGuard PVGU?
SunGuard PVGU, powered by Pythagoras, combines Guardian’s trusted insulating
glass with advanced photovoltaic technology from Pythagoras Solar. Our new
PVGU (photovoltaic glass unit) is the only IGU (insulated glass unit) that combines
electrical power generation with the energy efficiency benefits of Guardian’s
reliable SunGuard glass, while providing effective daylighting for building occupants.
This product delivers a new level of design flexibility and performance, enabling the
creation of cost-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, sustainable buildings.
Benefits of SunGuard PVGU
• elivers up to three times the power density of other BIPV technologies
D
• rismatic optics allow for a high level of transparency and clarity compared to
P
other BIPV products
• Low solar heat gain
• Architecturally appealing design
• conomically attractive with three- to five-year ROI*
E
• esigned to meet advanced building codes and help projects gain LEED credits
D
* ayback depends on each project-specific situation and may be affected by tax incentives;
P
please contact Guardian for a sample financial payback calculation.
To learn more, call us at
powered by
1-866-GuardSG (482-7374) or visit us
online www.SunGuardGlass.com
SunGuard and Build With Light are trademarks of Guardian Industries Corp.
© 2012 Guardian Industries Corp.

2. SunGuard PVGU Technical Information
Outside Inside
How it works
Low-iron glass
SN 68 clear glass
PVGU harvests solar energy
Direct Inside
while providing low SHGC with a
sunlight shading
system of optics and photovoltaic
effect
cells adhered to surface #2 of an
insulated glass unit.
Diffused light
Sunlight is directed to PV cells and visual
that lie perpendicular to the glass information
Heat
PV cell
panes. Ambient light and views to
the outdoors are transmitted inside. dissipation
Optical system
Air/argon gap
PVGU window specifications
GLAZING SPECIFICATIONS
Outboard lite 6mm (1/4) low-iron glass
Inboard lite 6mm (1/4) SN 68 on clear (#3 surface)
1
U-value 0.27
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)2 0.14
Visible light transmittance3 49%
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum power density 120 Wp/m 2 (11.15 Wp/ft 2 )
Module efficiency up to 12.0%
Tested operating temperature -40°C through 85°C
Maximum system voltage 600 V DC
Maximum series fuse rating 15 amps
Power tolerance +/- 5%
UNIT MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length 60 maximum
Width 60 maximum
Thickness 1 ¼
Weight 209 lbs. maximum
1. Based on 19mm spacer, 90% argon-filled 2. Simple average of SHGC at angles 25° above normal 3. Near-normal incidence
Pythagoras Solar is an advanced building materials company and a winner of the 2011 GE Ecomagination
Challenge that recognizes building energy innovations. Pythagoras Solar’s “triple value” BIPV window
technology revolutionizes design and construction, responding to the demand for aesthetically appealing,
sustainable architectural solutions that have a fast return on investment. Pythagoras Solar has operations in
the United States and Israel. For more information, visit Pythagoras-Solar.com.
Guardian Industries is a global leader in float glass, fabricated glass, fiberglass insulation and other building
materials for commercial, residential, interior and automotive applications. Guardian is headquartered in Auburn
Hills, Michigan. For more information, visit Guardian.com.