Posted on 05/01/2022 2:39:46 PM PDT by algore
To be clear, transparent solar panels sound too good to be true.
They have the potential to shift cities from major energy users to energy providers in an instant and could usher in a new era of clean energy revolution while safeguarding farmland and natural habitats.
And, as the world strives toward a low-carbon future to curb the worst effects of climate change, solar energy should unquestionably be one of our strongest allies. But how viable are transparent solar technologies? Could we really generate electricity from windows in offices, homes, car’s sunroof, or even smartphones? Let's explore. What is 'transparent solar energy'?
Transparent solar is a cutting-edge technology that gathers and uses light energy through windows or any glass surface, regardless of the angle. It has the potential to be a game-changer in terms of broadening the scope of solar.
In terms of engineering, researchers have created several means of 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) developed the first entirely transparent solar concentrator, which could convert almost any glass sheet or window into a PV cell.
And by 2020, scientists in the United States and Europe have achieved 100 percent transparency for solar glass, bringing us one step closer to the goal of a sustainable future that does not rely on the grid of the fossil fuel industry. What are the benefits?
See-through solar panels are incredibly important as, in modern society, glass is practically everywhere. Ranging from the screen of your phone to skyscrapers, it's estimated that there are 5 to 7 billion square meters of glass surfaces in the United States.
Imagine the sheer amounts of electricity that could be generated if we could tap into that power.
With that in mind, it should also be noted that conventional solar panels necessitate a wide setup area as well as a significant initial cost. Because of these constraints, it is difficult to implement them in metropolitan locations. Transparent solar panels, on the other hand, can be implemented in these areas, paving the way for net-zero energy buildings and help cities meet climate goals and targets. The future of high-tech windows
And that's not just on paper as transparent solar technologies are already popping up around the world.
For example, the Copenhagen International School's design utilizes 12,000 hued but clear solar panels all over the building, producing 200 MWh of energy annually -- that's apparently more than half of the energy the building consumes.
In another example that took place last year, the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building on the campus of Michigan State University was upgraded with the installation of 100-square-feet transparent solar glass panels which were situated above the building’s entryway. They will generate enough electricity to power the lighting in its atrium.
However, there are some obstacles standing in the way. Before the technology can be scaled up, scientists need to up its efficiency, as there is an efficiency/transparency tradeoff.
The more transparent the panel is, the less efficient it is, which is why see-through panels are not expected to exceed or replace the standard solar panels we've grown accustomed to.
Either way, the technology could potentially help humanity get to a truly sustainable and greener future faster.
That is the only way to really make solar work is to put it on a house itself and not on some massive field that approximates the size of the city or town.
Emperor has no clothes version ?
The cost of buying new and then disposing of toxic panels that only are marginally producing direct currant electricity, not worth it.
As soon as there is a private company trying to sell them I will take it seriously.
Unavailable nonsense seeping into the AOC realm
Can panels be placed over existing windows as a retro fit?
Watts per square meter. That is not mentioned anywhere in the article. Total solar radiation at Earth’s surface is about one thousand watts per square meter. How much of that is outside the visible spectrum (to allow light through but convert UV and IR) and what is the conversion efficiency for the panels? Having a solar panel article that doesn’t talk about power is like a diet article that avoids talking about calories.
Having a solar panel article that doesn’t talk about power
* or batteries*
is like a diet article that avoids talking about calories.
.
At least, according to this article that was written earlier this year, solar windows currently generate between 6-10 watts/sqft.
https://understandsolar.com/solar-windows-cost/
SolarWindows Technology Inc (WNDW) is working on this application. AFAIK they have not yet developed a product available for purchase. However, recently the management team has bought enough stock to achieve majority interest.
yep batteries or some other storage device is the key to success in this. However, just think that if all the skyscrapers had this ability. Each building is its own power source. Sounds very exciting. But the batteries, or other means of storage will be the key. Maybe Musk has thoughts on this.
“That is the only way to really make solar work is to put it on a house itself and not on some massive field that approximates the size of the city or town.”
And allow storage. Most municipal codes won’t let you have batteries and storage. Grid tie only.
“Imagine the sheer amounts of electricity that could be generated if we could tap into that power.”
JUST IMAGINE!!! All those windows producing 50 watts each in full sunlight. My house has trees all around it to keep it cooler in the summer. Solyndra two. solar panel boogaloo
Remove all subsidies and see how they do.
If they viable, they will make it.
There are two things that are bugbears in the renewable energy science.
The first is storage. If I could install a batter that feeds off of solar and wind and could put it in my back yard that could supply my house for a couple of days in the event of a serious breatkdown, that would be fantastic.
The other bugbear for renewables is the ability to switch between onsite supply and the powerplant supply as easily as flipping a light switch.
Without batteries, it is useless.
“The first is storage. If I could install a battery that feeds off of solar and wind and could put it in my back yard that could supply my house for a couple of days in the event of a serious breakdown, that would be fantastic.”
We should be able to just have our own personal stand alone full Wind/solar supply with storage and tell the power company to take their meter and shove it, don’t need it. Problem is... The municipal code depts will not let you “occupy” a dwelling without being tethered to the extortion of the power company.
If they truly cared about the environment they would allow folks to completely unhook from the grid if they have the capability to do it. We lived off grid for 10 years, had all we needed for our needs. On a personal scale it works just fine. :)
But they won’t, because they make deals with the power companies. And they don’t want folks to be independent because then they cannot use the power connection/occupancy codes as extortion tools for other code compliance. It is always “you comply or we will shut off your power”. Can’t if it is already off.
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