A New Kind of Panel
This unique development in the renewable energy sphere was first developed in late 2014 by Michigan State University researchers, who managed to develop a fully transparent solar concentrator that can be applied to windows and other glass surfaces to create a photovoltaic cell.
The concentrator collects infrared and ultraviolet light using a group of organic salts, which then transfer the infrared light to the concentrator’s plastic- and photovoltaic cell-lined edge. Like normal solar panels, this edge then converts the collected light into electricity while allowing the vast majority of the apparatus to remain completely transparent.
The idea behind this unique renewable energy method is that large office buildings with many windows could take advantage of this by essentially turning story after story into one large solar panel—though this would no doubt require some hefty solar power loans to cover the cost.
The Future
ExtremeTech reports that current prototype models of the solar concentrators only have an efficiency of about one percent, which is significantly lower than traditional solar panels. Researchers are hoping to improve efficiency, but are also quick to note that efficiency is not necessarily as important with large-scale installations. If every window in a building was fitted with such a device, the amount of electricity that could be generated would add up rather quickly. Only time will tell if solar power loans soon extend to include this unique and exciting piece of technology.
Kevin Johnson is a renewable energy writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Elements Capital Group. Follow on Twitter