From Windshield to Solar Roof: the Use of High-Performance Glass

Special Glass in the Car From Windshield to Solar Roof: The Use of High-Performance Glass

2025-08-22 From Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

High-tech glass in vehicles offers not only aesthetic but also very practical advantages. For example, sensors can be installed behind the special glass or solar cells integrated. At this year's IAA Mobility, AGC is presenting the various possibilities.

Glass in and on vehicles: From solar roofs to windshields to special glass for radar and lidar.(Image: AGC) — Glass in and on vehicles: From solar roofs to windshields to special glass for radar and lidar.
(Image: AGC)

Glass in vehicles is not new, but so-called high-performance glass is. It plays a crucial role far beyond its use in windows. This specialized glass differs from ordinary glass through properties such as increased strength, improved optical characteristics, or multifunctional applications for safety and comfort.

High-performance glass, such as that from AGC Automotive Europe, is used in driver assistance systems or autonomous vehicles. With technologies like p-polarized head-up displays, it provides sharpness and performance, while the specialized glass is also used for vehicle solar roofs. At this year's IAA Mobility, AGC is showcasing how its specialized glass is shaping the automotive world and contributing to the new mobility.

Gallery

Opaque by applying a voltage.(Image: AGC)

The Wideye glass technology on the car roof.(Image: AGC)

The functionality of polarized glass.(Image: AGC)

Polarized glass and how it works.(Image: AGC)

The Windshield As A Head-Up Display

The polarized windshield with the black enamel band at the lower edge.(Image: AGC) — The polarized windshield with the black enamel band at the lower edge.
(Image: AGC)

A highlight is the windshield with a p-polarized "Black Band" head-up display (HUD). This technology eliminates issues like ghosting and incompatibility with polarized sunglasses. A black enamel band at the bottom of the windshield serves as a projection surface and, together with a p-polarized light source, guarantees a sharp image with high contrast even under unfavorable lighting conditions. This windshield will already be installed in a model of a German premium car brand in 2025.

Another development is the so-called FeellnGlass Reflective Blade for HUDs, which combines traditional screens with windshield HUDs and can be seamlessly integrated into the cockpit. This solution not only offers a luxurious aesthetic but also meets all safety requirements. It can be directly integrated into the cockpit, eliminating the need to replace the windshield and enabling seamless integration into the dashboard. The Reflective Blade uses thin to ultra-thin glass, with thicknesses ranging from 0.02 to 0.08 inches.

Panoramic Solar Roof

The solar roof with back-contacted solar cells.(Image: AGC) — The solar roof with back-contacted solar cells.
(Image: AGC)

In addition to specialized glass for windshields and HUDs, AGC offers a panorama solar roof for electromobility. It combines back-contacted high-performance solar cells with an attractive design. The solar roofs generate energy, enhancing driving comfort and energy autonomy. The solution features laminated glass with integrated solar cells that can still generate energy even when partially shaded. Particularly appealing for panoramic roofs: optional low-E and IR coatings to reduce heating and cooling costs, provide greater headroom, and improve UV protection. The light transmission can be individually adjusted through the spacing and density of the solar cells, offering options from transparent to semi-transparent.

Autonomous Driving With Lidar

Lidar sensor behind the windshield. Thanks to the special glass with Wideye technology, cameras and radar can be installed alongside lidar sensors. The glass is specifically designed for maximum transmittance.(Image: AGC) — Lidar sensor behind the windshield. Thanks to the special glass with Wideye technology, cameras and radar can be installed alongside lidar sensors. The glass is specifically designed for maximum transmittance.
(Image: AGC)

With the Wideye technology from AGC, cameras, radar, and lidar can be installed behind a windshield or other areas of the vehicle. There are three main focus areas: integration into the vehicle roof, panoramic glass roofs, and behind the windshield. Wideye glass is specifically designed for maximum near-infrared (lidar) light transmission—according to AGC, IR transmission is increased by over 20% compared to conventional automotive glass. This enhances the range of lidar sensors. Unlike polycarbonate or plastic coverings, Wideye glass is more durable and UV-resistant. It remains clear over the long term and does not yellow.

From Transparent to Opaque

Finally, AGC presents its Digital Curtain Wonderlite. It offers light control for vehicle windows and interior glass surfaces. At the push of a button, glass surfaces can quickly switch from transparent to opaque. This is achieved by applying an electric voltage to control the glass's transparency. According to the manufacturer, the switching times are under one second.

When applied to side windows, the interior transforms into a private area shielded from prying eyes. The switchable glass can instantly transition from an opaque black to full transparency as needed. An intriguing feature is the segmentation option, which allows passengers to fine-tune their individual comfort zones. For instance, one part of the glazing can be darkened while another remains transparent. (heh)

Lidar sensors can be placed directly behind the windshield. Julian Seibel from AGC explains what is important when it comes to the glass used. (Image:AGC)

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.