What are transparent solar panels?

Transparent solar panels, also known as solar glass, are see-through photovoltaic (PV) technologies that can generate electricity from daylight. Unlike traditional opaque solar panels, these panels allow a portion of visible light to pass through them, making them ideal for use as certain types of window, as well as skylights and building facades.

What is a transparent photovoltaic (PV) panel?

Michigan State University (MSU) developed the first fully transparent photovoltaic (PV) panels in 2014. These panels are suitable for clear windows and even touch screens on devices because they don’t absorb visible sunlight, creating a new paradigm for solar power.

Can transparent solar cells be used as a PV device?

This issue drove researchers to design new PV concepts, like transparent solar cells (TSCs), that can solve the problem by turning any sheet of glass (or, in general, a transparent substrate) into a PV device.

Can transparent photovoltaics be improved?

"While this innovative solar cell is still very much in its infancy, our results strongly suggest that further improvement is possible for transparent photovoltaics by optimizing the cell's optical and electrical properties," suggests Prof. Kim.

Is transparent photovoltaic coming to the market?

Transparent photovoltaic is concretely approaching to the market. Hybrid solar cells can now exceed exploitable visible light transmittance. A real-case study on a simulated photovoltaic-powered office is proposed. Companies ready to commercialize transparent building-integrated photovoltaic products are reviewed.

Could transparent solar panels revolutionise photovoltaics?

Hand holding a transparent solar panel towards the sun. Transparent solar panels developed by Australian researchers are on track to revolutionise the way photovoltaics are integrated into buildings. Recent efficiency improvements mean that two square metres of transparent solar cells can now match the output of a standard rooftop panel.