Innovative Building Materials: How Heli-On’s Photovoltaic Glass and Glass to Power Are Shaping the Future of Architecture

In the age of sustainable design, innovative building materials are transforming the way we think about construction. Among the most promising advancements are architectural photovoltaic components—technologies that seamlessly blend design, functionality, and energy efficiency. At the forefront of this transformation are Heli-On’s photovoltaic glass panels, which redefine the role of building envelopes in contemporary architecture.

Heli-On Photovoltaic Glass: Transparent Energy Solutions

Heli-On’s photovoltaic glass systems go far beyond traditional double-glazing. These cutting-edge architectural photovoltaic components combine thermal and acoustic insulation with invisible solar energy harvesting. Each square meter of glazing becomes an active surface, capable of producing electricity without compromising aesthetics.

Thanks to their transparency and seamless integration, these glass panels are ideal for curtain walls, skylights, transparent roofing, and railings. They allow architects and engineers to create buildings that are not only visually compelling but also energy-autonomous and environmentally responsible.

Glass to Power from University Research to Industrial Innovation

One of the key drivers of this technological revolution is Glass to Power, a spin-off from the University of Milano-Bicocca. It was founded on the scientific vision of Professors Sergio Brovelli and Francesco Meinardi, and with the support of Management Innovation, a consulting and scouting firm focused on technological innovation.

The company brought together major players from the industrial and financial sectors to turn a breakthrough scientific discovery into a market-ready solution. Glass to Power has obtained exclusive licensing of key patents and is focused on developing the necessary industrial R&D to bring a scalable and effective product to market.

A New Model: Autonomous and Regenerative Architecture

The combination of innovative building materials like Heli-On’s photovoltaic glass and the advanced technology developed by Glass to Power paves the way for a new architectural paradigm. The buildings of tomorrow will no longer be passive consumers of energy—they will generate, store, and manage their own energy intelligently.

By integrating architectural photovoltaic components into façades and other visible building elements, the line between structure and system disappears. Instead of choosing between form and function, designers can now have both—sustainability embedded into the very fabric of the building.