Researchers at the US Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) detailed a technique that can boost solar cell output and turn tinted windows into solar panels.
Published in Science magazine on Saturday, the researchers have developed a way to use dyes painted on glass to concentrate light.
By pushing light to the edges and filtering it, they can concentrate the light and squeeze more electricity from photovoltaic cells.
The cells are placed on the edges of the glass, rather than across the flat surface of glass, which would allow panel manufacturers to use less costly solar cell materials.
By stacking multiple plates, they can be optimised for different wavelengths. Solar cells will be placed along the edges of the plates, reducing the amount of solar cell material needed, and thus the cost of a panel. (Credit: MIT)
It's a technique that was pursued in the 1970s but abandoned because not enough redirected light made it to the cells on plate edges.
By borrowing laser technology, the MIT researchers said they adequately direct and concentrate light to the point where they can boost solar cell output.
The technology, which uses off-the-shelf dyes used in car paints, promises to be cheaper than traditional solar concentrators because it eliminates the need for mirrors, lenses, and trackers, said Marc Baldo, an MIT professor of electrical engineering who led the work.
Participants in the research are starting a company, Covalent Solar, to commercialise and improve the technology. MIT said that they expect to have a product available in around three years.
You can already get some of the Schott Transparent cells for grid connected PV through people like the Sydney Energy Cooperative. Not sure if it is exactly the same thing, but cheap solar is here and now. Try www.energycoop.com.au