Solar window construction and methods

An operational solar collecting window comprising:

• a first sash;
• said first sash comprising one or more panes with each pane having opposed broad surfaces;
• said one or more panes comprising a generally transparent solar collector joined to at least one of said opposed broad surfaces and operable to produce an electrical current when exposed to light;
• said first sash comprising a scaffold assembly encompassing said generally transparent solar collector;
• a window frame operable to mount within the wall of a building structure;
• said first sash movably fixed to said window frame;
• said first sash operational by one of:
• sliding within said window frame and pivoting from said window frame;
• and
• wherein said first sash further comprises at least one electrochromatic coating joined on one of said opposed broad surfaces of said one or more panes.

A self-contained and self-powered electrochromatic solar collecting glaze comprising:

• a first pane having a pair of opposed broad surfaces;
• a second pane having a pair of opposed broad surfaces;
• a spacer positioned between said first pane and said second pane;
• an internal volume defined by said first pane, said second pane, and said spacer;
• at least one electrochromatic layer joined to one of said first pane and said second pane in said internal volume;
• at least one transparent solar collector joined to said one of said first pane and said second pane in said internal volume;
• a battery mounted to the glaze;
• said at least one transparent solar collector operable to provide electrical energy to said battery;
• and
• whereas said battery powers said at least one electrochromatic layer.