A BUSINESS that will turn skyscrapers into the power stations of the future has taken a new step forward.

Oxford Photovoltaics has invested in two new laboratories at the Begbroke Science Park as it looks to push it solar coating technology for glass towards becoming a commercial reality within the next five years.

The aim is to transform the glass panels on tower blocks into electricity generators capable of powering not only the building but generating green electricity for the National Grid.

It also means power can be generated from the sun in areas of the highest demand without the need to use farmland for solar panels.

Chief executive Kevin Arthur has seen his business which spun out of Oxford University transformed from having just himself as the sole employee two years ago to 17 staff today.

He said: “Our new lab and testing area will support our further growth and we expect to add another 10 employees in 2014. On top of this, we sponsor three PhD students from Oxford University whose research will help us develop more products.”

Oxford PV has had £4.2m of funding, all of which has been ploughed into the new labs where £600,000 has been spent on cutting edge equipment.

The aim is to license the technology to glass makers around the world for installation on new and existing buildings.

Mr Arthur added: “Commercial buildings have large areas of glass and many residential tower blocks are being retro-fitted with new glass facades to make them more energy efficient.”

Oxford PV’s technology promises to be more advanced than existing solar panels and will be able to generate power from natural light even when the sun is not shining.

Mr Arthur said: “We are expecting to sign our first licences towards the end of next year. The first prototypes will be produced in 2016 before mass production in 2017.”

The new facilities were officially opened by energy and climate change minister Greg Barker.

He said: “Oxford Photovoltaics’ new research and testing facility is putting the UK at the forefront of the international market for solar, providing state of the art resources to test a pioneering approach to harnessing the power of the sun and putting us in pole position to compete in the global race for jobs and growth.”