Researchers from the CitySolar project have announced an efficiency record for transparent solar cells. By combining organic solar cells with perovskite-based ones, the scientists were able to achieve an efficiency of 12.3%.
These cells could be used for building-integrated photovoltaics, transforming windows into solar panels. “Transparent solar cells could be the next big step in building-integrated energy solutions,” said Professor Morten Madsen from the University of Southern Denmark, who was one of the key researchers behind the breakthrough. “The large glass facades found in modern office buildings can now be used for energy production without requiring additional space or special structural changes... This represents a massive market opportunity.”
The CitySolar project is the first to overcome the main challenge with transparent solar cells, which has been the balancing of efficiency and transparency.
The project is currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of between five and six, meaning it is between the proof-of-concept and prototype stages. It has already received nearly €4 million in funding from the EU in the hope that it will help Europe reach its target of fully decarbonizing the building sector, which accounts for approximately 40% of the continent’s energy consumption.
The team behind the discovery is currently in discussions with industry partners in order to scale up production of the see-through solar panels and make them available for future construction projects.
“There are still research improvements to be made but importantly, we know where the challenges lie and have a clear strategy for overcoming them,” said Professor Madsen. “We can scale up what we have, but we need business partners.”
