Solar energy could perhaps undisputedly be one of our staunchest allies as the world endeavours toward a low-carbon future to mitigate the terrible effects of climate change. However, how feasible are transparent solar technologies?
The science behind transparent solar glass
Transparent solar is a cutting-edge technology that collects and utilises light energy through windows or any other glass surface, regardless of angle. In terms of engineering, they are more like transparent solar concentrators, which absorb specific UV and infrared light wavelengths which aren’t visible to the naked eye and convert them into energy capable of powering electronics.
This technology is also known as photovoltaic glass, and it is designed to provide varying levels of transparency. Michigan State University (MSU) researchers developed an entirely transparent solar concentrator in 2014 that can transform almost any glass sheet or window into a PV cell.
Pros of this technology
Because glass is practically everywhere in modern society, see-through solar panels are extremely important. Transparent solar panels can be used to build the foundation for net-zero energy buildings and assist cities in meeting their climate goals and targets.
The Copenhagen International School’s design utilises 12,000-hued but clear solar panels throughout the building, producing 200 MWh of energy annually — that’s well over half of the energy the building consumes.
Another example is the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building on the Michigan State University campus, which was upgraded with the installation of 100-square-foot transparent solar glass panels above the building’s entryway. They will generate sufficient electricity to supply the atrium lighting.
The more transparent the panel, the less proficient it is, which is the reason see-through panels are still not expected to outperform or replace standard solar panels. In any case, the technology has the potential to accelerate humanity’s transition to a sincerely sustainable and greener future.
