Transparent neutral-colour silicon solar cell developed

Transparent and neutral-coloured crystalline silicon (c-Si) based solar cells which can be used for vehicle-integrated photovoltaics to help power EVs and devices have been developed by South Korean scientists.

The wafer-thin panels have a power conversion efficiency of up to 12.2% and have microscopic holes or “windows” which allow light to pass through the normally opaque panels.

The development is outlined in Joule and suggests the cells are “attractive energy conversion devices” as they can be used in various applications in daily life, including buildings and vehicles.

“Furthermore, we believe that this study makes a significant contribution not only to the field of photovoltaics but also to various transparent electronics,” the paper adds.

Researchers suggest c-Si is among the best candidates for developing transparent solar cells with high efficiency and stability.