Solar energy in our window panes

Scientists in the United States of America have pioneered a breakthrough in technology where windows are used as solar panels.

From research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a technique has been devised where transparent dyes capture, concentrate and redirect sunlight across the pane to photovoltaic cells in the window frame, where it is converted into electricity.

The potential for competition with standard grid power is immense, especially if photovoltaic cells are required only at the sides of the panels, instead of over the entire glass surface.  This will mean that far less of the expensive photovoltaic cells will be required, resulting in cheaper energy production costs.

It is understood that this technique can be applied to standard solar panels, which will improve their efficiency in solar energy production. 

Further research is required to enable this process to be finalised and it will pave the way to bringing the cost of renewable energy down – a relief in the current climate of spiralling costs for household gas and electricity bills.

For further information on how renewable energy is used in homes in the UK, and what would be suitable for your property, please complete the online enquiry form or visit our Energy Efficiency section.

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