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Researchers in Korea have developed transparent solar cells that can generate solar energy from glass surfaces such as building windows, cars and even smartphone screens. Discover this incredible innovation
Researchers from School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), in South Korea, they took an important step towards the future of increasingly efficient solar energy.
The team, led by Jeonghwan Park and research assistant Prof. Kangmin Lee, created a new transparent solar cell and an innovative module, opening doors for multiple applications in diverse sectors, from electronics to construction.
The technology developed by the researchers is based on a configuration called all-back-contact (ABC), which concentrates all electrical contacts on the back of the solar cell.
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This approach creates a transparent crystalline silicon (c-Si) cell, resembling a glass panel, and eliminates the need for metal wires. Seamless modularization, a key design innovation, allows the solar module to operate without gaps between devices.
High efficiency in solar energy production
The great advantage of the ABC design is its efficiency combined with aesthetics. The solar cells not only demonstrate a high power conversion efficiency (PCE), but also maintain unobstructed visibility thanks to the transparency of the module.
According to the scientific article published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the transparent c-Si solar cell achieved an efficiency of 15,8%, while a larger 16 cm² module recorded a PCE of 14,7%. In addition, the cell's average visible transmittance was 20%, making it ideal for applications where transparency is an aesthetic or functional requirement, such as building windows and automobile glass.
Another impressive feature of the developed solar module is its ability to generate enough energy to charge a smartphone using only natural sunlight. With an output voltage of 10,0 V and a power of 235 mW for a 16 cm² module, the device shows great potential for use in small electronic devices.
Promising applications
The impact of this innovation goes beyond energy efficiency. According to the researchers, the new transparent silicon solar cell can be integrated into a variety of industries.
From small electronic devices to applications in construction and automobiles, the possibilities are vast. The elimination of metal wires and seamless modularization make this technology extremely versatile and aesthetically appealing.
Prof. Kwanyong Seo, who also participated in the study, highlighted the importance of perfect modularization for the commercialization of transparent solar cells. “We have opened a new path for modularization research, which is essential for the commercialization of transparent silicon solar cells.“, Seo said.
He added that the team plans to continue studies so that this technology can become a key solution in the energy industry of the future, especially when it comes to environmentally friendly alternatives.
The evolution of green energy
UNIST’s progress is not limited to transparent solar cells. In March of this year, another research team from the same institution developed a scalable photoelectrochemical system, powered by photovoltaic energy, capable of producing green hydrogen. This innovation is a crucial step in the development of clean energy sources, given that green hydrogen is considered one of the most promising alternatives to replace fossil fuels in several industries.
The combination of these advances demonstrates UNIST’s commitment to leading the transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. With transparent solar cells, the institution shows that innovation in solar energy does not have to compromise on design or functionality. On the contrary, these new technologies can be seamlessly integrated into urban spaces and everyday devices.
Future perspectives
With the results already obtained, the UNIST research team is optimistic about the future of transparent solar energy. They believe that this technology has the potential to become a pillar of the energy industry, contributing to the creation of energy-sufficient buildings and electronic devices with integrated solar charging.
The next challenge will be the large-scale commercialization of these solar cells, which requires continuous improvements in efficiency and reduction of production costs.
However, the initial success already shows that South Korean research is on the right track to transform the way we consume and produce energy. The vision of a future where buildings, cars and electronic devices run on transparent solar power may not be as far away as previously thought.
