Solar windows could drastically reduce the loss of energy in buildings

The Queensland University of Technology recently announced that it has been working with Dyesol to develop an innovative solar cell technology to re-display the windows as providers of clean energy. Professor John Bell said that these cells impregnated dye significantly reduce the cost of energy in buildings, and even could generate extra energy to be stored or sold. The development was touted as the most promising solar cell technology since the invention of the silicon cell.

Modern architecture has a love-hate with windows: they contribute to the light and lightness in lower areas, however, are often cited as culprits in the loss of heat. Traditional approaches to this problem tend to increase the ability island; however this new development would permeate the windows to solar production capacity, providing power in reality rather than waste it.

Dyesol solar cells use an innovative technology called “artificial photosynthesis” where a similar pigment chlorophyll to absorb light to generate electricity. The panels are composed of an electrolyte, a layer of titanium (white pigment used in paints and toothpaste) and ruthenium pigment in the middle of the glass. The light hits the pigments of electrons that are absorbed by the titanium, to become an electric current. ”

The solar cells are cheaper dyes and require less energy to manufacture silicon cells, which do not require expansive material. They also produce electricity more efficiently, even in times of “shadow”, where overcast skies and shadows of trees and other buildings can cause a loss in the energy collected.

Solar windows will offer a tempting option for new skyscrapers and homes looking to break the barrier of zero energy – Imagine the power grid that the glass windows from the floor to the roof of a skyscraper could produce! Current cells have a pink tinge, but the cells of blue, gray and green are being worked, Dyesol says the panels will be commercially available in the coming years.