Transparent solar cells, coming soon?
Progress being made with window solar technology
A joint research team recently made an important breakthrough in solar technology that could eventually turn windows into solar power generators.
The joint effort includes researchers from both Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy. The team is working to ultimately turn standard, clear windows into solar collectors and electricity generators.
Someday your windows may be see-through #solar panels ➤ https://t.co/v4UELqspyM pic.twitter.com/nWjMCnLWrf
— Energy Department (@ENERGY) March 9, 2016
How are they doing it?
The scientists are making progress with transparent solar technology by “harnessing the unique properties of quantum dots.”
Quantum dots are able to absorb light at one wavelength, and are also able to convert the light and re-emit it at another wavelength. This is the basis for the technology, which ultimately works to guide redirected waves at solar cells that are installed at the edges of the glass panes.
Once the the light is re-emitted, the solar cells at the edge of the pane can then collect the wave and store the energy. Ultimately, this energy can then be converted into electricity.
There’s currently no word as to when this technology might be ready for public use.
https://twitter.com/ENERGY/status/706947342897958913
Orginally published on → E-Wisdom
