To be clear, transparent solar panels appear to be too good to be true.

They have the potential to transform cities from major energy users to energy providers in an instant, ushering in a new era of clean energy revolution while protecting farmland and natural habitats.

And, as the world strives for a low-carbon future to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, solar energy should unquestionably be one of our most powerful allies.

But how viable are transparent solar technologies?

Could we really generate electricity from windows in offices, homes, car sunroofs, or even smartphones?

Let us investigate.

What exactly is "transparent solar energy"?

Transparent solar is a cutting-edge technology that collects and utilises light energy through windows or any other glass surface, regardless of angle.

It has the potential to change the game in terms of expanding the scope of solar.

Engineers have developed a number of methods for transparent solar technology.

Most generally though, the majority of them function more as a transparent solar concentrator, which means they are made to absorb specific UV and infrared light wavelengths that aren't visible to the naked eye and transform them into energy capable of powering electronics.
This technology is also called photovoltaic glass, and it's manufactured to provide a ranging level of transparency. Back in 2014, researchers at Michigan State University (MSU)

What are the advantages?

Because glass is practically everywhere in modern society, see-through solar panels are extremely important.

From your phone's screen to skyscrapers, the United States is estimated to have 5 to 7 billion square metres of glass surfaces.

Consider how much electricity could be generated if we could tap into that power.

Keeping this in mind, it should be noted that traditional solar panels necessitate a large installation area as well as a significant initial cost.

It is difficult to implement them in metropolitan areas due to these constraints.

Transparent solar panels, on the other hand, can be installed in these areas, paving the way for net-zero energy buildings and assisting cities in meeting climate change targets.

Another example occurred last year when the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building on the Michigan State University campus was upgraded with the installation of 100-square-foot transparent solar glass panels above the building's entryway.

They will generate enough electricity to power the atrium lighting.

However, there are some impediments in the way.

Before the technology can be scaled up, scientists must improve its efficiency, as there is a tradeoff between efficiency and transparency.

The more transparent the panel, the less efficient it is, which is why see-through panels are not expected to outperform or replace standard solar panels.

In any case, the technology has the potential to help humanity achieve a truly sustainable and greener future.