Optically transparent thermally insulating retrofits for single-pane windows
![](https://deshpande.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Wang-1-aspect-ratio-580-360-580x360-c-default.jpg)
Insulating silica aerogel
Every year, windows in the United States lose enough energy to power over 85 million homes. This wasted energy costs $20 billion and generates more carbon dioxide than 76 million cars, but traditional window products still force consumers to choose between energy efficiency and affordability. This team’s solution is a groundbreaking silica aerogel material that is more transparent than glass, twice as insulating as air, and cost-competitive with existing products.
![](https://live-mit-deshpande.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Windows_MIT-News-story_1.6.20.jpeg)
AeroShield
Technology from this project spun out into a startup company, AeroShield.
![](https://live-mit-deshpande.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/strobach_forbes.png)
Preventing energy loss in windows
Mechanical engineers are developing technologies that could prevent heat from entering or escaping windows, potentially preventing a massive loss of energy.
Making Forbes’ 2020 30 Under 30: Energy
Kyle Wilke and Elise Strobach, Cofounders of AeroShield, make Forbes’ annual list.