TAKING THE SUN IN

Transparent solar panels are in the development stage to meet the energy demands of buildings with facade solutions.

Transparent solar panels developed by Australian researchers are on track to transform the way photovoltaics are integrated into buildings. Recent efficiency improvements mean that two square meters of transparent solar cells can now match the output of a standard rooftop panel.

The research team, led by Professor Jacek Jasieniak from Monash University and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science, say their next-gen solar cells technology can generate electricity while allowing light to pass through. Prof. Jasieniak explains that for a building with large windows, a transparent solar window could supply the entire energy needs of an apartment at the current level of efficiency.