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UCLA Develops Transparent, Electricity-Generating, Solar Cell Windows

Posted by samzenpus on from the look-at-the-energy dept.

Elliot Chang writes "A team from UCLA has developed a new transparent solar cell that has the ability to generate electricity while still allowing people to see outside. In short, they've created a solar power-generating window! Described as 'a new kind of polymer solar cell (PSC)' that produces energy by absorbing mainly infrared light instead of traditional visible light, the photoactive plastic cell is nearly 70% transparent to the human eye — so you can look through it like a traditional window."

5 of 163 comments (clear)

  1. 70% ? by Skarecrow77 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    so, like about as transparent as your shower door with some soap scum on it? 30% obfuscation seems like a lot...

  2. exclamation marks look terrible here by CalRobert · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Want to sound like a fourth grader shilling their science project? Use exclamation marks in your summary.

  3. Re:Incandescent bulbs return? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Bedrooms have windows so you have at least two escape route in case of fire.

  4. For large glass buildings? by webdog314 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Depending on the efficiency, it might be an interesting choice for something like one (North or South) side of a large glass building, effectively giving you a large solar array for windows that you were going to put in anyway.

  5. Re:4% by Eightbitgnosis · · Score: 3, Insightful

    As apposed to the great results we're getting from the 0% efficiency models? For most cases these aren't replacements for traditional solar panels, but rather a supplement.

    These could be particularly useful on large skyscrapers