See-through Solar Cells for Windows
Generally, solar power is generated with the use of solar panels that are installed on the rooftops of homes and buildings. They can also be mounted on grounds and poles. Moreover, there is another part of the building, other than the roof, ground and pole that is exposed to the heat of the sun – which is the windows. But then again, windows would not look good with conventional solar cells since the cells would block the light and hinder outside view. With this, recent studies aim to provide a solution to the problem, exploit the windows of buildings and create an innovation out of it. Here comes the see-through solar window.
The Components
Invisible, transparent and see-through – these best describe a new solar technology breakthrough in the form of solar windows.
A group of chemical engineers from Michigan State University conducted a research on producing a solar film that can be functional to windows. This solar film is based on nano-scale solar cells, in liquid form, that are produced by organic synthesis. It keeps the windows see-through while producing energy from the heat of the sun.
The Benefits
Here are some of the benefits that see-through solar windows provide:
It Provides Clean Energy
Solar windows capture energy from the heat of the sun and emit this power to the building. Just like other solar technologies, it also produces clean energy for the people to take advantage of. This recent innovation supports the world’s fight against global warming to create a better world.
It is Multi-Purpose
Another good thing about solar windows is that they serve many purposes. First, they function as an integral part of houses providing light and nice outside view. Second, they also generate electricity to power the buildings with clean energy.
It is Flexible
See-through solar windows are flexible in such a way that they can be both applied to residential houses and commercial buildings. Also, the transparent cells can work well with mobile devices and other gadgets that require high quality of aesthetics display. In time, more and more surfaces would benefit from see-through solar cells.
It is Creative
Another option to use solar cells is not to make it totally transparent. Incorporated with LED lights, the solar window captures solar energy during the day and produce disco-like lights at night. This can add design to the windows and provide a more creative look to ordinary frames.
Indeed, the world of solar energy maintains its momentum in providing solar technologies that create value to humanity. Although there are still more developments needed to power up transparent solar cells and improve its energy efficiency, it already had a great start towards the green future of energy.
Let’s give see-through solar cells more time and we’ll see where they’re going to take us ahead.
