Total Shade Solar, an initiative of Total Shade Inc., is advancing the commercial rollout of a window shade system that converts sunlight into electricity, targeting the vast untapped energy potential of commercial building windows. As electricity demand from AI infrastructure and data centers outpaces grid expansion, building owners and utilities are seeking supplemental generation wherever possible. Vertical glass—abundant, sun-exposed, and historically limited to glare control—represents one of the largest untapped surface areas in the built environment.
The system installs like conventional window treatments but incorporates solar-generating material. On a standard 43 x 80-inch window, the company expects output of approximately 450 to 500 watts; across a glass-heavy façade, capacity multiplies window by window, offering commercial properties a practical entry point into distributed energy generation without sacrificing shading or heat management. "Data centers are intensifying the need for every viable form of distributed power generation," said Dave Westby, President of Total Shade Inc. "If a building has large expanses of glass, those surfaces should do more than manage glare and heat. They should produce electricity."
The system is designed to complement utility service and primary data center power architecture, fitting within a layered energy strategy alongside on-site generation, storage, efficiency measures, and building controls. It adds a generation layer at the window line that most energy plans leave untouched. The company anticipates strong interest from commercial developers, engineers, smart building designers, data center-adjacent properties, and urban facilities seeking new ways to add supplemental on-site power.
Total Shade Solar's patented technology enables power production from every outward-facing window. For more information, visit Total Shade or watch the system on YouTube. Details on product availability and pilot deployments will be announced as the launch progresses.
