The concept of transparent solar panels was first realised in 2014, when Michigan State University researchers developed the first fully transparent solar concentrator. This technology absorbed invisible wavelengths like ultraviolet and near-infrared, while allowing visible light to pass through and generate electricity.
Since this initial prototype, scientists at Incheon National University in Korea have taken the concept even further with the creation of fully transparent solar cells. By combining titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and nickel oxide (NiO), the team developed a system that captures invisible light while letting visible light through. This means ordinary windows, skyscrapers and even phone screens could generate electricity without compromising their transparency or aesthetics.
The innovation could fundamentally change the way we generate solar power, seamlessly integrating into everyday life such as the design of buildings, cars and even our personal devices. Buildings could have energy-generating windows, public spaces like bus stops could harness solar power and even everyday electronics could benefit from energy-efficient screens.
Initial prototypes of transparent solar panels showed efficiency rates as low as one per cent, with recent advancements pushing that figure closer to five per cent. These numbers leave a lot to be desired and show transparent solar cells remain in their infancy, but as research continues it is hopeful that the efficiency will improve for broader use.
As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, solar power remains one of the most abundant and reliable renewable energy sources. However, with bulky and opaque solar panels limiting their incorporation into space-limited urban environments, transparent solar panels offer a clever solution. They could be incorporated into windows and facades, providing energy while maintaining a sleek, modern look.
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