Transparent solar cell technology could allow smartphones and cars to self-charge | Breakthrough in solar cell modularization paves way for commercial applications

From the article: Scientists have been working on creating transparent solar cells for years, achieving various milestones that have brought the technology closer to commercial applications. Now, a team in South Korea has made a significant breakthrough with their focus on modularization research. The advancement addresses a key challenge in scaling transparent solar technology from individual cells to larger, practical modules that can be integrated into real-world applications.

A research team from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea has developed transparent solar cell technology capable of directly charging a battery from a glass surface. This innovation offers numerous applications, allowing for direct energy generation from sources like smartphone screens, car windows, and building facades.

In a practical demonstration, the researchers successfully charged a smartphone using natural sunlight, proving that a mobile device’s screen can function as an energy source.

The technology holds significant commercial potential. The building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market, which includes transparent solar cells, is projected to reach $86.7 billion by 2031.