Transparent solar panels to replace windows

An innovation like that could release a submerged, unused reserve of energy
An undated image of a person showcasing a solar window. — Solar Windows
An undated image of a person showcasing a solar window. — Solar Windows  

Imagine a world where windows, cars—even smartphones—could all generate electricity with solar power.

A breakthrough in transparent solar technology is on the verge of turning that into a reality by changing the way we generate energy from sun.

However, a group of scientists at Michigan State University have developed a transparent solar material that, when applied to windows, allows them to generate electricity while still letting light pass through.

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An innovation like that could release a submerged, unused reserve of energy and significantly encourage us to stop our dependence on fossil fuels.

What’s science behind transparent solar technology?

The technology applied in the transparent luminescent solar concentrator uses organic molecules to absorb hidden or invisible wavelengths in sunlight and then convert them into electricity.

This will, in turn, be applicable to various surfaces: from building windows and walls to car windshields and even mobile devices.

This technology can turn the invisible light into electricity generation with a potential equal to that of rooftop solar units by enhancing building and device efficiency.

When scaled up and applied comprehensively, transparent solar technology could nearly meet electricity demand in United States and drastically decrease the usage of fossil fuel.

With an estimated five billion to seven billion square meters of glass surface in the United States alone, the potential for energy generation if promoted among the people is a huge step. Linking this transparent solar technology with rooftop solar units and advanced energy storage could provide us with nearly 100% of our required energy demand.