Window conversion into solar panels: new technology is revealed in London

Researchers from the University College London have developed semi-transparent solar cells that can be easily installed on windows.

Insights into the New Technology

New approach aims to transform regular buildings into energy generators. When compared with the standard windows that let through almost 80% of sunlight, the new technology will let through 30%. Usually, solar panels are only installed on roofs, which means a huge part of modern buildings is not utilized for energy collection, and this can be changed. 

The long-term strategy of this approach is aimed at the creation of semi-transparent photovoltaic cells, which could be easily installed on car windows and other similar transparent surfaces. One more huge benefit of such technology is connected with energy savings on cooling. Such technology can be vital for the hot regions where lots of energy is spent on air conditioning.

The cells are made of perovskite, which can potentially even generate electricity from indoor lighting. The perovskite layer is 185 nm thick, which is almost 3 times thinner than in traditional solar cells. Also, researchers added a molecule that can help with the stabilization of the crystal structure.

The 30 × 30 cm panel without any additional components retained 80% of its efficiency after 300 hours of light exposure.

Hope you found this article helpful - what do you think? Like and subscribe to our blog to get more practical tips and the latest tech news from HostZealot.