Summary
An anonymous inventor has been making solar glass blocks for about eight years. This work is more ecological than Solar Squared from the University of Exeter and Build Solar, because it uses recycled car windshields that would otherwise be trash, while Solar Squared uses new glass. A newspaper called El Diario 24 wrote on September 20, 2025, about Solar Squared. Both projects aim to turn glass into clean energy, but the anonymous inventor’s version started earlier, includes recycling, and has had less media attention.
Context and Scope
This account covers the anonymous inventor’s recycled-glass project, the article from El Diario 24, the details of Solar Squared, the creation of Build Solar, financial support, project goals, the concept of solar stickers, and the global problem of energy shortages.
Exhaustive Narrative of Facts
Anonymous Inventor’s Statements
An inventor said they have been working for about eight years on glass blocks that capture sunlight and make electricity.
They explained their project received little media attention.
They emphasized that their blocks are more ecological than Solar Squared, because they reuse discarded car windshields, while Solar Squared blocks are made with new glass.
Both projects share the idea of glass blocks producing solar power, but the difference is the material: recycled glass in one case, new glass in the other.
El Diario 24 Article Identification
The newspaper El Diario 24 published the article on September 20, 2025.
It was written by Trini.
The title was “Glass blocks that can drink light: They could end one of the biggest droughts.”
The article named the University of Exeter as the source.
Context of Energy Shortage
The article described a global “dry time” of energy, meaning not enough clean energy.
It said blackouts were happening in many places.
It noted fossil fuels have been used for decades but create dirty air.
It said wind and solar energy are clean options.
It said April 2025 was the second hottest month on record.
It reported the Earth stayed 1.58ºC hotter than preindustrial levels, above the Paris goal of 1.5ºC.
Importance of Glass Energy Blocks
The article explained that after solar stickers appeared, glass blocks that also make power became more important.
They were valued for modular design and easy integration into architecture.
Technical Details of Solar Squared
The University of Exeter created Solar Squared, glass blocks with hidden solar cells.
They provide thermal insulation unlike normal glass blocks.
They still allow natural light.
They are designed to capture as much sun as possible.
They can be added to new or renovated buildings.
They are modular and scalable.
They can be combined with traditional construction materials.
Historical Development of Solar Squared
Solar Squared was presented in 2017 as prototypes.
The team intended pilot trials soon after.
There was little further news after that.
Creation of Build Solar
Members of the Exeter team created Build Solar (buildsolar.co.uk).
They aimed to develop innovative solar technologies.
Financial Figures and Support
In 2023 Build Solar won funding from the UK Energy Entrepreneurs Fund.
It received £271,933.
The fund supported projects to help the UK reach net zero by 2050.
Goals of Build Solar
Build Solar intends to integrate Solar Squared into building walls.
The goal is for buildings to generate their own electricity.
The article said more time is needed before judging the results.
Comparison with Solar Panels
The article said solar panels have advanced greatly.
Panels are usually installed on roofs, leaving walls unused.
Glass blocks would turn walls into energy producers.
Practical Takeaways
- An inventor has worked for eight years on solar glass blocks made from recycled car windshields.
- Their blocks are more ecological than Solar Squared, because they recycle waste glass while Solar Squared uses new glass.
- Both projects aim to turn glass into clean energy.
- The inventor’s work started earlier but has had less press.
- El Diario 24 reported on Solar Squared in September 2025.
- Solar Squared provides insulation, lets light in, and can integrate into buildings.
- Build Solar was founded to develop Solar Squared and received £271,933 in 2023.
- Glass blocks can generate energy from walls, not only rooftops.
- The world needs clean energy because of blackouts and rising temperatures.
Sources
https://www.eldiario24.com/energia/2025/09/20/fotones-solar-squared-build/
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 