Guardian Industries and Pythagoras Solar have announced that they are working together to manufacture and market SunGuard photovoltaic glass units (PVGU) for commercial buildings.

Guardian SunGuard PVGU, powered by Pythagoras, combines Pythagoras Solar PVGU tiles with SunGuard architectural glass to create a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) product. This replaces standard vision and spandrel glass or skylights, with a glass product that converts direct sunlight into energy.

“BIPV is increasingly being specified for commercial applications and together Guardian and Pythagoras will provide applied solutions for energy efficient buildings,” said Guardian Glass Group President Scott Thomsen.

A recent report from industry analyst firm NanoMarkets estimates that the total market for BIPV glass will reach $6.4 billion in revenues in 2016 compared to $1.5 billion in 2012.