One major hurdle to wide-scale solar energy deployment is having enough space for solar panels, especially in cities where land and roof space on buildings is in short supply. In high-density locations, producing enough solar electricity to power a building from just the rooftop is difficult, especially when mechanical systems occupy space. But what if the glass itself could generate clean energy with transparent solar panels?
Michigan State University (MSU) made a groundbreaking advancement in solar technology by developing the first fully clear solar panels in 2014. These innovative photovoltaic (PV) panels are designed to be suitable for use in clear windows and even touch screens on devices, offering a unique approach to solar power generation. Unlike traditional solar panels, MSU's invisible solar panels do not absorb visible sunlight, allowing them to be transparent while still capturing energy from ultraviolet and infrared light.
Although clear solar panels are less efficient than monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells, there are many potential applications due to their functionality, such as the windshields on cars, the glass in high-rises, and even the touch screens on cell phones. Researchers are working to advance transparent solar panel technology to be commercially viable on a large scale. Thus, the clean energy potential of invisible solar cells is nearly endless, but many issues must be overcome.
The History Of Transparent Solar Panels
Researchers at MSU made significant strides in solar technology by developing transparent solar panels that absorb invisible wavelengths of light, such as infrared and ultraviolet, using organic salts. This innovation allows the solar glass to function like regular glass, with visible light passing through, while also generating energy. In 2020, U.S. and European researchers pushed the technology further by developing clear solar panels with 100% transparency.
“Highly transparent solar cells represent the wave of the future for new solar applications,” said Richard Lunt, the Johansen Crosby Endowed Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at MSU. “We analyzed their potential and show that by harvesting only invisible light, these devices can provide a similar electricity-generation potential as rooftop solar while providing additional functionality to enhance the efficiency of buildings, automobiles and mobile electronics.”
While the efficiency of transparent solar panels is currently low, around 1%, with the potential to reach 5%, the flexibility of this technology means it could be used in various applications. Clear solar panels could offer practical energy solutions from buildings to vehicles while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
“MSU has our first installation external to the company,” Lunt said. “We have dozens of projects that are now getting installed around the world from our pilot line. We’re now gearing up for commercial-size production lines, which will be truly transformative.”
Partially See Through Solar Panels
German startup Heliatek GmbH has developed partially clear solar panels, which can absorb about 60% of the light they receive. These panels, often called partially transparent solar panels, offer a unique balance between energy production and light transmission. The efficiency of these partially see through solar panels is currently around 7.2%, which is notably lower than traditional opaque solar panels but offers other functional advantages.
Because 40% of light passes through, these modules are semi transparent solar panels. While they are less efficient than traditional solar panels, they are ideal for specialized uses such as solar windows. Solar glass installations work particularly well on south-facing building facades, offering a combination of energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal with tinted or translucent glass.
The ability of partially see through solar panels to integrate into modern architectural designs makes them an appealing option for commercial and residential buildings, where maximizing sunlight and energy output is beneficial. These glass solar panels present exciting possibilities for combining energy generation with visually appealing design solutions.
Semi Transparent Solar Panels
Semi transparent solar panels are a specific type of transparent solar panel with a light transmittance below 100%. Whereas transparent solar panels allow nearly all visible light to pass through while generating modest amounts of energy, semitransparent solar panels balance light transmission with higher energy output. Although there are fully transparent solar panels available, semi-transparent modules are currently more commonly found in the market.
These semi transparent panels are particularly well-suited for applications such as building windows, sunroofs, car windows, bus shelters, and greenhouses, where some level of light filtration is desired. However, for devices like smartphones that require 100% light transmission, semi transparent panels may not be the ideal choice.
Scientists at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have developed a semi-transparent perovskite solar cell with a record-breaking 22.02% efficiency. This advancement was achieved by refining the solar cell's composition and structure and is a promising development for integrating solar technology into windows and other transparent surfaces.
“This makes them the most efficient among the perovskite solar cells using transparent electrodes in the world,” the research group said. “Additionally, they showed remarkable durability, with over 99% of their initial efficiency maintained after 240 hours of operation.”
How Do Clear Solar Panels Work?
Transparent solar panels absorb light (photons) and convert it into electricity (electrons), similar to traditional panels. However, see through solar panels function as transparent solar concentrators, absorbing non-visible light wavelengths like UV and infrared, while allowing visible light to pass through. This enables the use of clear solar panels in applications where maintaining transparency, such as in windows or facades, is essential.
The technology typically involves multiple layers, including transparent conductive layers, semiconductor materials, and protective coatings. These layers work together to absorb light, convert it into electricity, and ensure durability. The number of layers and materials may vary depending on the manufacturer, but the fundamental function remains the same: generating electricity without compromising visibility.
This innovative approach allows transparent solar panels to seamlessly integrate into architectural designs, transforming regular glass windows into energy-producing surfaces while preserving natural light and aesthetics.
What Are Some Uses of Transparent Solar Panels?
Clear solar panels allow light to pass through while generating electricity, and have a range of potential applications, including:
Building-integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Glass solar panels can be integrated into windows, facades, and skylights of buildings, turning them into functional energy-generating surfaces without obstructing natural light.
Greenhouses: Clear solar panels can be incorporated into greenhouse structures, allowing plants to receive sunlight while generating electricity to power the greenhouse's operations.
Consumer Electronics: Transparent solar panels can extend battery life or provide supplementary power in electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Automotive: Clear solar cells can be integrated into vehicle windows or sunroofs, contributing to the electrical power needs of electric or hybrid vehicles.
Outdoor Furniture and Shelters: See through solar panels can be applied to outdoor structures, such as bus shelters, benches, or pavilions, providing shade while generating renewable energy.
Portable Chargers: Clear solar cells can be incorporated into portable chargers, enabling users to harness solar power to charge their devices on the go.
Military and Emergency Applications: Glass solar panels can be used in military and emergency applications, providing power to field operations, shelters, or communication devices.
Aerospace: Clear solar cells can be integrated into the surfaces of spacecraft or satellites, contributing to their power needs in space.
Consumer Products: Various consumer products, such as wearable devices, backpacks, and even clothing, offer a discreet way to generate power from see through solar panels.
Public Spaces and Infrastructure: Invisible solar panels can be integrated into public spaces, such as bus stops, walkways, or canopies, combining functionality with sustainable energy generation.
Agrivoltaics: In agricultural settings, clear solar panels can be installed above crops, allowing some sunlight to reach the plants while generating power for farm operations, blending solar energy with agriculture for increased efficiency.
Educational Tools: Schools and museums can use transparent solar panels in demonstration areas or interactive exhibits, allowing people to see renewable energy in action without obstructing visibility, making it an educational tool.
Residential Skylights: In homes, clear solar panels can be added to skylights, bringing in natural light while contributing to the home’s energy supply, appealing to eco-conscious homeowners looking for energy-efficient features.
Aquariums and Zoos: Invisible solar panels can cover exhibit areas, powering equipment without blocking light from reaching the plants or animals below, supporting sustainability in visitor attractions.
Transparent Solar Panel Manufacturers
Several companies are actively involved in the development and manufacturing of clear solar panel technologies. Some leading manufacturers in the transparent solar panel industry include:
Brite Solar - Solar Glass
Brite Solar, a forward-thinking company, has made significant strides in developing solar glass products for commercial applications. Their cutting-edge clear solar panels provide innovative solutions for building integration, offering a sustainable way to incorporate solar energy into architectural designs with solar glass.
Brite Solar has focused on enhancing both the transparency and efficiency of its solar glass, making it ideal for seamless architectural integration. This glass solar panel technology allows buildings to generate renewable energy through windows, facades, and other transparent surfaces, without compromising on natural light or aesthetic appeal. Brite Solar’s invisible solar panels are particularly well-suited for modern urban environments, where maximizing space and renewable energy output is crucial.
Onyx Solar - Clear Solar Panel Glass
Based in Spain, Onyx Solar is renowned for its innovative solar panel glass solutions and building-integrated solar products. They specialize in creating clear solar panels for skylights, canopies, and facades, allowing buildings to generate electricity while letting natural light pass through glass solar panels.
Their diverse product line includes photovoltaic glass for curtain walls and ventilated facades, offering architects and builders energy efficiency and flexibility for seamless architectural integration.
Polysolar - Transparent Solar Carports
Polysolar is a UK-based company that specializes in transparent solar panels, particularly focusing on building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and transparent solar canopies. Their technology is designed to integrate seamlessly into urban environments, allowing buildings to harness solar energy without sacrificing aesthetics or natural light.
Clear solar panels are often used in applications such as carports, facades, windows, and other architectural elements, making them a versatile solution for both residential and commercial projects.
The clear nature of Polysolar's transparent solar panels allows them to generate electricity while still permitting light to pass through, which is ideal for urban settings where space is limited but energy generation is still a priority.
SolarScape Enterprises - Glass Solar Panels
SolarScape has emerged as a leader in developing solar glass products designed for commercial applications. Their clear solar panel technology aims to revolutionize building integration solutions.
SolarScape is dedicated to enhancing both the efficiency and transparency of solar glass for seamless architectural integration. By transforming conventional windows into glass solar panels, they offer a cutting-edge solution that combines energy generation with aesthetic appeal for modern buildings.
SolarWindow Technologies - See Through Solar Panel Windows
SolarWindow Technologies is a pioneering company that specializes in the development of clear solar panels, particularly through its innovative transparent electricity-generating windows. The company has focused on creating flexible, thin coatings that can be applied to ordinary glass, transforming it into solar glass capable of harnessing solar energy. These advanced coatings are designed to be ultra-lightweight, scalable, and highly efficient, offering a solution for integrating renewable energy generation into a wide variety of architectural applications.
SolarWindow's clear solar panels maintain the transparency of the glass, allowing for natural light to pass through while also capturing sunlight to generate electricity. This makes their glass solar panels an ideal solution for high-rise buildings, office towers, and other urban structures where maximizing energy efficiency and space utilization is a priority.
Xiamen Solar First Energy Technology - BIPV Products
Xiamen Solar First Energy Technology is a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, with a strong focus on building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The company has made significant advancements in developing innovative BIPV products that integrate solar technology into architectural elements. Their solutions include solar glass curtain walls and sunrooms, which allow buildings to harness solar energy while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
By seamlessly incorporating clear solar panels into these architectural components, Xiamen Solar First Energy Technology is helping to drive the adoption of sustainable building practices. Their cutting-edge BIPV products offer a practical and visually pleasing way to generate renewable energy, making them ideal for modern commercial and residential applications.
Future Applications Of Transparent Solar Panels
It’s estimated that there are 5 to 7 billion square meters of glass surfaces in the United States, so the opportunities to use solar glass are nearly limitless. This means that the windshields and sunroofs on cars, smartphone screens, curtain walls, and canopies on buildings can all generate solar power.
“Once you realize you can do this, you can make a solar cell that looks just like a window, it really sparks your imagination,” said Lunt.
If this new technology is implemented in the glass on skyscrapers, there is a greater potential to generate a significant amount of solar energy because tall buildings have so many vertical surfaces. Also, the angle that the sun hits transparent solar panels isn’t so critical.
Traditional PV Panels Vs. Clear Solar Panels
Because the two technologies are so different, so are their ideal applications. For example, if a solar contractor wants to generate as much energy as possible in a limited space, traditional solar PV panels are a better option because they are much more efficient. Yet, transparent solar has a clear advantage when a see through PV module is needed. If clear solar products or glass solar panels become widespread, it will be difficult to tell them apart from conventional materials.
“The realities of climate change mean we need to find more ways to use renewable energy,” Lunt said. “Transparent solar glass expands the options of solar power tremendously and changes the way we think about generating power. There is no longer a tradeoff between aesthetics and renewable energy. You could turn nearly every surface of a building or landscape into a solar array and generate power right where you use it without even knowing that it’s there.”
However, transparent solar panels are still rapidly advancing, so what might be true today might be different a decade from now. For example, engineers at MSU have now developed transparent solar panels with a zinc-oxide layer they expect will last for three decades, so the potential lifespan of both technologies is comparable.
Like traditional solar modules, clear solar panels produce no greenhouse gas emissions when producing energy and help reduce reliance on polluting fossil fuels. Currently, 3.9 percent of the electricity in the United States is generated from the sun. But as the world transitions to cleaner forms of energy, innovation is needed to enable solar power to produce a larger share of the total energy mix.
Although traditional solar panels are excellent for rooftop applications and solar farms, there are other applications where they falter, especially in high-density areas when lightweight solar cells are needed. In addition to more widescale deployment, energy storage capabilities are also needed to ensure that solar energy can provide baseload power throughout the day, regardless of the weather.
Advantages of Traditional Solar Panels
Traditional solar panels offer several key advantages, including high energy conversion efficiency,
proven performance through decades of testing, widescale availability, and greater durability compared to transparent glass solar panels.
Superior energy conversion efficiency with solar panels on the market that exceed 22 percent efficiency
A more mature technology that has been extensively tested for decades, which means real-world performance is easier to predict
Available for widescale implementation today due to a robust manufacturing capacity across numerous countries
Transparent glass solar panels need to be handled with more care than traditional solar panels to avoid breakage because glass is more fragile
Advantages of Transparent Solar Panels
Transparent solar panels offer several key advantages, particularly for applications where traditional panels are impractical:
Ideal for Urban Areas: In densely populated urban settings with limited rooftop space, see through solar panels allow buildings to harness solar energy by utilizing their glass surfaces. This maximizes power generation without requiring additional space.
Aesthetic Integration: Clear solar panels seamlessly blend with building designs. The difference between regular and fully transparent solar glass is virtually undetectable, making it a perfect choice for architectural applications prioritizing aesthetics.
Flexible Deployment: Unlike traditional solar panels, see through solar panels don’t require direct sunlight or specific angles for optimal performance. This flexibility opens up more opportunities for placement on various surfaces, such as vertical glass facades.
Mobile Electronics: Transparent solar panels can be integrated into mobile devices to harvest ambient light, partially recharging batteries without needing an external power source—a feature that would be highly appealing to consumers.
Dual Functionality in Buildings: When incorporated into building structures, solar glass serves a dual purpose, acting both as a window and an energy generator, making resource use more efficient.
Lightweight and Portable: Before being applied to glass, transparent solar cells are lightweight and easy to transport, offering flexibility for various use cases, from mobile devices to small-scale energy projects.
Are There See Through Solar Panels?
Seethrough solar panels, or transparent solar panels, are a developing technology in the solar energy sector. Researchers are experimenting with several innovative approaches to achieve varying transparency, such as organic photovoltaic cells, thin-film technologies, dye-sensitized solar cells, transparent silicon, and quantum dot solar cells. While significant advancements have been made toward fully transparent solar panels, these panels are still in the early stages of commercialization.
Are Transparent Solar Panels As Efficient As Traditional Solar Panels?
See through solar panels are generally less efficient than traditional solar panels. While they offer the advantage of translucency, allowing light to pass through, this feature often comes at the cost of lower energy conversion efficiency. Researchers are actively working on improving the energy output of transparent solar technology, but as of now, it is not on par with the efficiency of conventional opaque solar panels.
What Do Transparent Solar Panels Mean For The Future Of Solar Power?
If transparent solar panels become widespread, their potential uses will be endless. Engineers and solar professionals must understand how to effectively implement this technology in electronics, automobiles, buildings, and other applications. Likewise, architects and contractors must know how to incorporate see through solar panels into building facades to maximize renewable energy production.
As the renewable energy industry advances, clean energy professionals must stay current on the latest solar panel technology to help drive innovation. Numerous promising solar technologies are on the horizon that could alter the future of the clean energy movement, including using perovskite as a semiconductor in solar modules to replace or minimize the use of silicon. Thus, future scientific breakthroughs will shape the future of clean energy globally.
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