Solar panels are photovoltaic devices that are being used to transfer heat energy from the Sun to power electronic machineries like calculators, satellites etc since long. And the most recent development in this field are the transparent solar panels. These transparent cells can turn any window pane into solar power generator without obstructing the passage of light. The new cells in the panel are made of organic molecules that absorb energy only from near infra-red light at high efficacy. The absorbed energy is converted into electricity that can be utilized for any purpose. Richard Lunt, one of the researchers believes that some day this project can turn a skyscraper into a large solar power generator.
Trends
1. Sphelar cells are the new ‘power windows’
Kyosemi Corporation of Japan developed spherical micro solar cells named Sphelar. It is made from solidified silicon drops reduced to a size of 1.8 mm in diameter.The spherical shape enhances the absorption of light from all angles and makes it very efficient and flexible for power generation. It is highly transparent and so can be embedded into any glass to make a transparent solar cell window.
2.Konarka develops transparent solar cells for energy harvesting windows
Konarka Technologies Inc., Massachuesetts has developed transparent solar cells from flexible plastic. The company has made prototypes of BIPV( building integrated photovoltaics) windows with the solar cells sandwiched between two glass panes. Konarka has signed an agreement with Arch Aluminium And Glass to use these cells in building material. You don’t need to compromise with the aesthetics of your home as the windows are transparent and can also be tinted with color.
3. Chin Hua Solar Glass
Chin Hua Solar Glass is a Chinese innovation that generates electricity from transparent solar panel. At Taipei’s International Week of Optoelectronics, electricity was being made from this slightly foggy Chin Hua solar window. The haziness of the window can be increased to up the efficiency of production of electricity. This solar glass can also be incorporated into cars to produce electricity for an electric car.
4.Transparent solar windows based on dyes
Queensland University of Technology is working with Dyesol to produce solar cells that can transform windows into energy providers. Dyesol works on the technology of artificial photosynthesis where dye absorbs sunlight to generate electricity. The panel is composed of an electrolyte i.e. titania and ruthenium dye, which is sandwiched between glasses. The light strikes the dye which excites an electron and is absorbed by titania to produce current.
Benefits
The sun is a wonderful natural resource that can cater to all our energy needs. The harnessing of sunlight through transparent solar panels generates electricity without impeding the light passage. It is not only eco-friendly but also cost effective. An office building with transparent solar windows can produce electricity which is enough to fulfill its requirements. It comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes and can also be tinted with colors. Using the window as surface area provides much more solar energy than earlier solar panels.
Limitations
1. Efficiency: The solar cells in transparent solar panels have an efficiency of 2% which is very low as as compared to 12% of conventional solar panels.
2. Lifespan: The biggest challenge is to increase the longevity of the transparent solar panels to match them with the life span of the window.
Impact
If the production of transparent solar panel is proven commercially viable then it will be environmentally and financially very beneficial. The large buildings can cater some of their energy requirements through this. It is not a perfect technology but these innovations open the door for use of renewable energy resources in larger scale in near future.
