With soaring energy prices, it comes as no surprise that more households are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint by optimising their houses are downscaling entirely, a trend being capitalised on by solar glass company ClearVue Technologies (ASX: CPV) through a new collaboration with modular housing manufacturer, Prefabulous. 

The partnership will see ClearVue’s solar glazing and integrated solar cladding incorporated into Prefabulous’ new prototype modular home, known as the FabZero. This collaboration marks a major step towards creating sustainable housing solutions that aim to minimise environmental impact while addressing growing demand for energy-efficient homes.

Modular Housing: A Growing Trend

Modular housing is an innovative construction method where homes are built off-site in sections, or modules, before being transported and assembled on-site. This approach offers numerous advantages, including faster construction times, cost efficiency, and reduced waste. 

The modular housing market is expanding rapidly, especially in Australia, where it is projected to reach $15.4 billion by 2024. ClearVue’s partnership with Prefabulous taps into this growing market by integrating renewable energy solutions directly into the construction process.

One of the primary benefits of modular housing is its flexibility and adaptability to different environments, making it an ideal solution for areas that require affordable, rapid housing developments. By incorporating ClearVue’s solar technology into modular designs, these homes will not only be sustainable but also energy-efficient, aligning with global goals for carbon-neutral living.

What is Net-Zero Housing?

Net-zero housing refers to homes designed and constructed to produce as much energy as they consume, resulting in a net-zero energy footprint. This is typically achieved through a combination of energy-efficient building materials, renewable energy sources like solar panels, and smart energy management systems. 

ClearVue’s solar glazing, which converts sunlight into electricity while allowing natural light into the home, plays a key role in achieving net-zero energy status for modular homes.

By generating clean, renewable energy from the sun, these homes will not only reduce reliance on external energy sources but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with Australia’s broader goals of achieving net-zero by 2050.

Who Does This Market Serve?

The net-zero modular housing market primarily targets environmentally conscious consumers, government housing initiatives, and developers looking for sustainable, cost-effective housing solutions. In particular, the growing demand for affordable, eco-friendly homes is driven by an increasing awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable living practices.

Modular housing is also gaining popularity in regions where housing shortages, natural disasters, or economic challenges make traditional building methods less feasible. The speed of construction, combined with energy efficiency, makes these homes ideal for first-time homeowners, retirees looking for downsized eco-friendly options, and housing projects aimed at reducing homelessness.

“When setting up Prefabulous we challenged the belief that transportable or modular homes were a secondary option by designing housing that looks and performs fabulously,” said Gavin King, Founder and Managing Director of Prefabulous

“Our customers are looking for sustainable housing solutions that look great. This trial is part of our broader effort to provide energy-efficient, eco-friendly housing and is based on extensive research work conducted over the last few years with the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre and University of Wollongong. 

“Working with ClearVue allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in modular housing further, combining style and sustainability in a way that benefits homeowners and the planet alike.”

The pilot FabZero modular home is expected to be completed by early 2025, with ClearVue’s products becoming a standard option for Prefabulous customers if the trial proves successful.

In their unaudited results for the year ended 30 June 2024 (FY24), ClearVue reported $39k in revenue which represented a 37% decrease on the previous year. A net loss after tax totalling $12.5 million was also logged, attributed to increased expenditure applied towards significant commercial expansions, critical certifications, expanded product offerings, and strategic collaborations. 

ClearVue closed out FY24 with $3.5 million of cash on hand before raising $2.7 million in July 2024 at an Issue Price of $0.54.