How Much Does Smart Glass Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $150 - $3,000
Smart glass costs an average of $525 for a 24-by-36-inch window, or between $150 and $3,000 for a range of sizes and glass types.
Smart glass costs about $150 to $3,000, with an average of about $525. Larger windows may cost more to upgrade, but you can save by installing smart glass on multiple windows at once. Smart glass, or switchable glass, offers more privacy while blocking UV rays by dimming either as a reaction to sunlight or by command on a remote or smartphone. You can make your windows more energy-efficient and improve the privacy of your home with smart glass or film. These window products transition to darken or frost the window either from contact with exterior light and heat or by the touch of a button.
- Average
- $525
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $3,000
Smart Glass Cost Factors
Smart glass costs depend primarily on the size of the window as well as the type of smart glass or film you’re buying. Depending on the retailer or manufacturer, you could also pay more for shipping the glass to your home.
Size
The smart glass cost per square foot is about $25 to $150, so the larger your windows are, the more you’ll pay for smart glass or film. It’s important to properly measure for your replacement windows before shopping for smart glass to avoid buying more than you need. Below, you’ll find the cost of smart glass based on common window sizes:
| Window Size (Inches) | Average Cost per Window |
|---|---|
| 24 x 36 | $150 – $900 |
| 24 x 40 | $215 – $1,275 |
| 32 x 48 | $275 – $1,650 |
| 32 x 62 | $360 – $2,135 |
| 48 x 60 | $500 – $3,000 |
| 60 x 36 | $375 – $2,250 |
Type
The type of smart glass or window film will be a major factor in the final cost. Applying film or smart tint is usually the least expensive option, costing about $25 to $50 per square foot. More advanced technologies, like suspended particle devices (SPD) and polymer-dispersed liquid crystal glass (PDLC), cost more, up to $150 per square foot.
Labor
The cost to replace windows with smart glass is about $100 to $300 per window or about $50 to $75 per hour. If the installation crew needs to remove old windows or window glass and dispose of the old materials, it will cost an additional $55 to $65 per hour.
Shipping
When you’re adding up how much smart glass will cost you, don’t forget to consider shipping rates. Some companies may include shipping for free if you buy in bulk. Otherwise, you can expect to spend anywhere from $120 to over $1,200 depending on the amount of smart glass you’re buying and how far from the warehouse you are.
Smart Glass Cost by Type
If you’re wondering how to make your windows more energy-efficient, smart glass can help. But the type of smart glass you buy may impact the efficiency benefits as well as the total smart glass cost.
| Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Electrochromic | $50 – $100 |
| SPD | $50 – $150 |
| PDLC | $85 – $130 |
| Smart tint | $30 – $45 |
Electrochromic Glass
Electrochromic glass, which costs $50 to $100 per square foot, relies on ions to push particles inside or outside of the window. This type of smart glass requires a small amount of electricity to work, but you can control it yourself to decide when you want added privacy and light-blocking features. You can control whether the window is more opaque or transparent, and the window will transition quickly, usually within a few minutes.
Suspended Particle Devices (SPD)
Suspended particle devices cost $50 to $150 per square foot. This technology involves suspending particles in liquid when the glass is turned off, then the particles line up to allow light to come in when they are electrified. SPD is popular because it is dimmable, allowing more or less light to pass through. However, SPD doesn’t go completely opaque.
Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Glass (PDLC)
PDLC offers more control over the opacity of your windows and costs $85 to $130 per square foot. This technology uses liquid and solid crystals for more or less transparency. The inactive crystals make the glass darker, while the active crystals align to bring in more light. You can program PDLC smart glass to go completely opaque or to dim at your command.
Smart Tint
Smart tinting costs about $30 to $45 per square foot and works similar to tinted eyeglasses. The tint goes dark, blocking more UV rays from the sun, when light from outside contacts the window glass. At night, the window goes back to transparent. This option may not offer as much privacy but works well if you are looking for a budget-friendly option to make your home more energy-efficient.
Ongoing Costs of Smart Glass
Your smart glass windows may come with other costs, like charges for electricity consumption or repairs, that you should budget for in the long-term.
Electricity
For smart glass that requires electricity, homeowners may be concerned over higher utility bills. But a standard window of 10 to 15 square feet will only use about 5 to 7 watts of electricity, or about the same amount needed for one LED light bulb. Over an entire year, one window with smart glass will only cost $1 to $2 in electricity, and it could save you more than that by blocking excess heat from the sun.
Repairs
If the smart glass gets foggy or breaks, you may need to spend $175 to $610 for the cost of window repairs. By keeping up with regular window cleanings and inspections, you can minimize the risk of damage and repairs.
Maintenance
Keeping your windows clean is the best way to maintain them. Professional window cleaning costs $150 to $300, and you should schedule these sessions at least twice per year. Fortunately, you may be able to skip using window treatments when you have smart glass, so you won’t have to spend time or money dusting blinds or washing the curtains.
Cost to Install Smart Glass Yourself
Installing smart glass yourself will cost about $25 to $150 per square foot for the materials. Applying window film is usually the best option for DIYing, because you can buy a kit with all the supplies you need to evenly apply the film.
But if you’re planning to replace existing window glass or install entirely new windows with smart glass, it’s best to leave this job to the pros.
DIY vs. Hiring a Window Installation Pro
You’ll spend about $50 to $75 per hour, plus the cost of materials, to hire a professional window contractor near you to install smart glass. The pros can install new window glass within about 30 minutes to an hour per window.
Correct installation is important—not only could you damage the window’s ability to transition from transparent to opaque if you install it incorrectly, but an improperly sealed window could allow water to get into the window and walls. This moisture could lead to mold growth.
Cost of Common Smart Glass Add-Ons
Because smart glass can provide privacy and better insulation, you may not need to add additional window treatments or blinds. Still, there are other projects you may consider taking on when adding smart glass to your windows or upgrading to a more energy-efficient home.
Window seat cost: $500–$8,000
Electrical outlet and switch costs: $12–$40 each
Electrical panel upgrade cost: $500–$4,000
Solar panel installation costs: $4,500–$53,000
Window cleaning cost: $150–$300
3 Ways to Save Money on Smart Glass Costs
The great thing about smart glass is that it can actually save you money in the long run. Still, the upfront costs may have you searching for wiggle room in the budget for these upgrades. Luckily, there are many ways to save on smart glass costs, including:
Buy in bulk: If you need to cover multiple windows, you may save on smart glass cost per foot by buying more at a discount.
Buy what you need: If you can get by with covering just one or two windows in a sunny part of the home, you’ll save on total costs by purchasing less glass or film.
Check for financial incentives: You may be eligible for tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act for upgrading to smart glass, according to the Department of Energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart glass will last for about 100,000 hours when turned on or activated. You won’t need to turn the windows on 24/7, so smart glass can last up to 20 years depending on usage. Smart window film may not last quite as long, but you can usually get about 10 years out of film products.
Smart glass may still work at night, but it depends on the type of smart glass. Some options are controlled by outdoor heat and light and therefore will turn back to transparent at night. Other types can provide a frosted look for some privacy at night. You can turn PDLC smart glass completely opaque any time, day or night.
Smart glass doesn’t use a lot of electricity. Windows with smart glass require about 5 watts of power per 10 square feet. Smart glass is proof that energy-efficient windows work. Although your smart windows may consume a little energy to operate, they can save enough energy to offset the costs.