Web Desk(October 26, 2017): Researchers have developed transparent solar cell technology that could be used to make power-generating windows.
The technology consists of a thin film of organic molecules that absorb invisible wavelengths of sunlight. These ultraviolet and the near-infrared wavelengths can then be converted into electricity.
The device, called a transparent luminescent solar concentrator, can be installed on the windows of buildings, a car’s windshield or even on the screen of a phone.
“Highly transparent solar cells represent the wave of the future for new solar applications,” Richard Lunt said.
“We analyzed their potential and show that by harvesting only invisible light, these devices can provide a similar electricity-generation potential as rooftop solar while providing additional functionality to enhance the efficiency of buildings, automobiles and mobile electronics.”
Coupled with traditional rooftop installations and solar energy, the combination could produce nearly as much electricity as traditional energy sources.
The best opaque solar panels reach efficiency rates of between 15 and 18 percent. Transparent solar cells achieve efficiencies at just above 5 percent.
But scientists believe the technology can eventually register efficiencies closer to traditional panels.
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