ike building with styrofoam board that you can see
through, it seems. Can't find a price though...

This is a sandwich of fiberglas reinforced plastic that has UV inhibitors with
the gel insulation material in between. It is a completly sealed unit and is
currently being used in Europe in residential applications for skylights. The
material would allow about 75% light transmission over the life of the
building. The cost is in the $25.00 per square foot range for a 2x4 foot
skylight. It could be used to construct a greenhouse but the cost would be
prohibitive.


Another new innovative glazing material is IQglas. This is an insulated unit
that has a thin metalic layer fused onto the interior surface of the insulated
unit. By passing electricy through the metal film radiant heat is generated. It
is currently being used in conservatories and swiming pool enclosures. It is
clear with between 75-85% light transmission.

The benefit is that moisture will not condense on the interior surface from the
high humidity and the radiant heat is very efficient. No other heat source is
required. The cost is higher than conventional insulated glass and heating
equipment but it does have a number of advantages. Eventually the cost will
come down as more companies get into the business of producing the products.

Last but not least is vacume glass panels. They are currently being produced at
one of our European facilities. These panels of insulated glass are about 5/8
of an inch overall thickness with two pieces of glass one of which has a low
emmissive coating on the interior surface. The two pieces of glass are
separated by tiny metal spheres to keep them from imploding. The overall
U-value is .1 or an R-value of 10. The light transmission is in the 75-80%
range. This is slightly more economical than the other products being in the
$15 per square foot range.