Innovation: Transparent solar panels could replace windows in the future

Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay Professor at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) has become another voice that believes Transparent solar panels could replace windows in the future. He recently said: “In modern society we see glass everywhere, ranging in size from a small cellphone screen to huge windows and skyscraper facades. It is estimated that there are 5-7 billion sq. m. of glass surfaces in the US alone. And in most buildings these large areas of glass remain an unused energy potential. Buildings and the construction sector add upto roughly one-third of the total energy consumption in the world.  

“Tapping into the energy potential of solar waves, outside the visible spectrum, passing through the glass facades and windows not only provide natural illumination and heating, but also produce electricity. They have the potential to shift cities from major energy users to energy providers and could usher in a new era of clean energy revolution. 

“Back in 2014, researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) developed an entirely transparent solar concentrator, which could convert almost any glass sheet or window into a PV cell. And by 2020, scientists in the US and Europe have achieved 100% transparency for solar glass, bringing us one step closer to the goal of a sustainable future that does not rely on the grid of the fossil fuel industry.”

Why it matters: Transparent solar panels has been discussed and research for over 10 years. With energy prices rising we need to accelerate new forms of creating energy. The sun and windows are a natural partnership. Industry needs to invest more in this area and let innovation help drive prices downwards. This will help products like this become more of a reality and enable installers and homeowners to embrace this technology.