Denver-based startup BrightPhase Energy, has what it hopes will be an important addition to the solar energy industry, the Photensity. The Photensity is a box that contains three different technologies that exploit solar energy in three different ways.

Primarily it acts as a solar panel with silicon solar cells that are mounted on a set of Venetian blinds to generate electricity. These blinds can be rotated to let in sunlight like a skylight. When there is no sun, it turns on an electric light.

Additionally, the Photensity contains fluid-filled pipes which absorb solar energy. This can then in turn be used to heat a water supply.

BrightPhase makes the bold claim that after adding up all the energy provided by the Photensity, that it will cost $1.80 per watt. This is an exceptional rate but perhaps a little misleading. They seem to be calculating the sunlight allowed in as energy created. They don’t explain the way they convert the lumens into watts or what light bulbs they use as a standard. There is plenty of room to generate a somewhat exaggerated estimate here.

Is this a case of several different technologies being put together for a less than stellar result or does the Photensity pull off all three at the same time and truly generate an outstanding cost per wattage rate? Time will tell and we’ll keep you updates as more conclusive testing comes in.