A groundbreaking advancement in renewable energy has emerged as researchers push the boundaries of solar technology. A global team working on the CitySolar project has successfully developed transparent solar cells with record-breaking efficiency.
Scientists achieved an impressive efficiency rate of 12.3% by integrating organic solar cells with the renowned perovskite material, often referred to as a “miracle material” due to its high performance in solar energy conversion. This efficiency is nearly on par with traditional commercial solar panels, marking a significant milestone for the technology.
“Transparent solar cells could be the next big step in building integrated energy solutions,” remarked Professor Morten Madsen from the University of Southern Denmark, one of the leading researchers behind the breakthrough. He emphasized that modern office buildings, with their expansive glass structures, could generate solar power without requiring additional space or major structural changes. “This represents a massive market opportunity,” he added.
One of the most significant challenges in developing transparent solar cells has been balancing efficiency with visibility. However, the CitySolar team overcame this by leveraging perovskite in combination with organic layers, allowing the cells to capture energy from near-infrared and near-ultraviolet light while letting visible light pass through. This ensures that windows retain their transparency while still generating electricity.
Another advantage of this innovation is its cost-effectiveness. According to Professor Madsen, the materials used in these solar cells are highly affordable, making large-scale adoption feasible for commercial applications.
Currently, the project is in its Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5-6, meaning it is moving from proof-of-concept to prototype development. With nearly €4 million (£3.3 million) in EU funding, the initiative aims to accelerate Europe’s transition towards carbon-neutral buildings, a crucial step since the construction sector accounts for roughly 40% of the continent’s energy consumption.
The research team is actively collaborating with industry partners to scale up production and integrate transparent solar panels into future architectural 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,” Professor Madsen stated. “We can scale up what we have, but we need business partners.”
