"Let the sunlight in, it is charging my phone."
If only life could be that simple, we wouldn't face the wrath of broken charger wires. Well, this is actually possible. Researchers from Michigan State University proposed installing transparent solar panels over windows to create solar energy that will power all appliances. This inspired break-through premises around organic molecules absorbing light wavelengths.
Well, what does that mean?
In simpler terms, when sun rays hit the transparent solar panel, it will capture the rays through its solar cells. Then, the rays hitting the curves of the panel will convert themselves into electricity! The proposal focuses on picking up infra-red and UV light specifically.
But, what's so special about transparent solar panels?
Conventionally, solar panels are made of metal, making it easier for them to absorb light. Yet, these silver panels can only be placed on open spaces such as roof-tops. If placed on windows, the people inside the building might feel imprisoned.
Transparent plastic-like panels can be attached easily to exterior surfaces, including windows. They can latch onto any surface, including your mobile screen or your car's windows. The panels will turn any sheet of glass into a photovoltaic solar cell, making it possible to transform almost any object into an electricity-generating resource in the sun's presence. In fact, these transparent solar panels will create just as much energy as the metal solar panels do, probably more. This will also quicken the process of moving away from our fossil fuel dependency - a much-needed transition.
Here’s what it will do for you
The plan will begin with installations in municipal and other buildings. Later, it will move towards electrifying households and stores. This would result in lesser electric bills for everybody. Thanks to the already falling price of solar energy, it will be a cost-effective transition for you.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses
We don’t know how affordable this ambitious endeavor is. Installing transparent solar panels on millions of windows might be a costly affair. And this is without taking the life of these solar cells into account. If it is commercially feasible, these solar cells will transform power harvesting globally. This would also mean that buildings would be able to use their windows to generate electricity. Couple that with simple and affordable energy and electricity plans provided by companies like Get Green Energy, and the whole industry could be facing a revolution. Get Green Energy allows homeowners to browse through a list of energy plans provided by name-brand providers, giving households complete autonomy over their energy choices. Organizations like these are dedicated to making energy an inexpensive and simple prospect. Sounds cool, right?
It has the power to transform the world
Solar-powered cars are no longer a dream. Richard Lunt, an associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science at Michigan State University, says “highly transparent solar cells represent the wave of the future for new solar applications.” Glass surfaces are available in abundance around the world; these transparent solar panels, as a result, might just provide the push renewable energy needs today. It will reduce dependency on non-renewable sources of energy. Although power harvesting always seemed like an impossible dream, advancements in technology are gladly proving otherwise.
Transparent solar panels are going to enter your home and change the way you consume electricity forever. Are you looking forward to finding your place in the sun?
