Windows That Generate Power? Transparent Solar Panels Are Making It Happen

Imagine if the sunlight streaming through your windows could power your home, office, or even your smartphone. Thanks to advancements in transparent solar panel technology, that vision is becoming reality. Scientists are now developing photovoltaic (PV) glass capable of capturing solar energy while remaining see-through—turning everyday windows into power sources.

What Are Transparent Solar Panels?

Transparent solar panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) glass, are a groundbreaking innovation that allows windows to generate electricity without blocking light. These panels could be integrated into homes, office buildings, car sunroofs, and even electronic devices—anywhere glass is already in use.

The first breakthrough in clear solar panels came in 2014, when researchers at Michigan State University developed an early version of the technology. Today, scientists across the U.S. and Europe are pushing the boundaries, bringing fully transparent solar glass closer to commercial use.

How Do Transparent Solar Panels Work?

Traditional solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity. However, creating transparent panels was once thought impossible—since clear glass lets light pass through, rather than capturing it for energy production.

The latest technology solves this problem using a Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrator (TLSC). This system:

• Uses organic salts to absorb ultraviolet (UV) and infrared light—wavelengths that are invisible to the human eye.
• Converts these wavelengths into another invisible form of light.
• Directs the converted energy toward the edges of the window, where thin PV solar strips collect and turn it into usable power.

This means visible light still passes through the window, allowing for natural brightness while simultaneously harvesting solar energy.

A Major Efficiency Breakthrough

Researchers at Michigan University recently achieved a record-breaking 8.1% efficiency and 43.3% transparency using an organic, carbon-based solar design. While this is lower than traditional solar panels (which typically range from 15-20% efficiency), it’s a major leap from earlier versions of transparent panels, which had only 2-3% efficiency.

Though the panels currently have a slight green tint—similar to sunglasses or tinted car windows—scientists are continuously improving the technology.

“Windows, which are on the face of every building, are an ideal location for organic solar cells because they offer something silicon can’t—a combination of very high efficiency and very high visible transparency.”
— Engineering professor Stephen Forrest

The Next Step: Fully Transparent Solar Glass

A New Mexico-based company, UbiQD, is developing fully clear solar panels using quantum dot technology. These microscopic nanoparticles manipulate light in a way that allows for energy capture without affecting transparency.

• Quantum dots are 100,000 times smaller than a fingernail but have extremely high energy efficiency.
• This same technology is already used in newer smart TVs to enhance color.
• While these panels currently have 3.6% efficiency, they hold great promise for future solar applications.

UbiQD has also partnered with Nanosys to develop solar greenhouses, helping plants maximize sunlight absorption while generating renewable energy.

A Future Powered by Solar Windows?

The U.S. has an estimated 5-7 billion square meters of glass surfaces. If fully transparent solar panels were integrated into these structures, they could generate up to 40% of the country’s energy needs. When combined with rooftop solar panels, the potential exists to cover 100% of current energy consumption.

Though large-scale implementation is still in progress, the idea of using windows as clean energy sources brings us one step closer to a fully sustainable future. As technology continues to advance, solar-powered glass could become the standard in homes, businesses, and cities worldwide.