Researchers in Denmark have set a new world record for converting sunlight into electricity using innovative transparent solar cells. These advanced window technologies not only let light pass through but also generate power, offering a promising breakthrough for renewable energy. This development could turn skyscrapers and office buildings into vertical power plants by transforming their windows into energy-producing solar panels.
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The CitySolar project marks a significant breakthrough in transparent solar technology, supporting Europe’s goal of making all new buildings nearly zero energy and fully decarbonising the building sector by 2050. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have developed solar panels by combining organic solar cells with perovskite material, achieving an impressive efficiency of 12.3 per cent comparable to that of commercial solar cells along with 30 per cent transparency.
Previously, transparent solar windows faced two major hurdles, insufficient energy absorption and limited transparency, making them impractical for real-world building applications. The CitySolar team now claims to have successfully addressed both challenges, paving the way for solar-integrated windows that can generate meaningful electricity without compromising aesthetics or visibility.
“Transparent solar cells could be the next big step in building integrated energy solutions. The large glass facades found in modern office buildings can now be used for energy production without requiring additional space or special structural changes... This represents a massive market opportunity,” said Morten Madsen, a professor from the University of Southern Denmark.
Furthermore, Madsen noted that both materials used in the solar cells are cost-effective and suitable for large-scale commercial production. In this design, the perovskite layer captures near-ultraviolet light, while the organic solar cell absorbs near-infrared light, enabling efficient use of the solar spectrum.
This setup allows visible light to pass through the panel, leaving the visible spectrum largely unaffected. According to Madsen, the materials used are highly affordable, making the technology well-suited for commercial-scale deployment. The CitySolar project is currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 to 6, placing it between proof-of-concept and prototype development. Backed by nearly €4 million in EU funding, the team is now in talks with industry partners to scale up production of the transparent solar panels.
"The tandem solar cell mainly harvests energy from the infrared and ultraviolet parts of the sun's rays, but not from visible light. This allows us to set new efficiency standards for semi-transparent solar windows," added Madsen.
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