Researchers at Michigan State University have developed transparent solar panels that could be used as windows or in other transparent applications. The solar panels use luminescent solar concentrators that absorb near-infrared light and re-emit it as visible light to solar cells on the edges of the panels, allowing light to pass through the panels while still generating electricity. This breakthrough could enable the installation of solar panels in places traditionally not feasible due to non-transparent panels blocking light.

1. Transparent solar panels
may be a window
into the future

2. Who did it?
• Developed by
Yimu Zhao,
Garrett A.
Meek, Benjamin
G. Levine and
Richard R. Lunt.

3. "Light Harvesting:
Near-Infrared
Harvesting
Transparent
Luminescent Solar
Concentrators,"

4. How does it work?

5. Applications
"No one wants to sit behind
colored glass, It makes
for a very colorful
environment, like
working in a disco.”

6. Applications

7. Reference
GEEK, Transparent solar panels may be a window into the
future by Kevin Ohannessian, August 20 2014
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/13575/20140820/tra
nsparent-solar-panel-cell-michigan-state-university.htm
Tech Times, Go solar with a view using newly developed
transparent cells by Jim Algar, August 20 2014
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/13615/20140820/go
-solar-with-a-view-using-newly-developed-transparent-
cells.htm
"Light Harvesting: Near-Infrared Harvesting Transparent
Luminescent Solar Concentrators" in the jpurnal
Advanced Optical Materials, July 2014