Transparent Solar Cell Charges Phones on the Go

Professor Kwanyong Seo and his research team at the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST have made a groundbreaking advancement in the field of solar energy. They have introduced a new type of transparent solar cell and module that boasts high efficiency while maintaining a glass-like, colorless, and transparent appearance. This innovative technology has been achieved through the implementation of an 'all-back-contact' design, which places all the components of the solar cell on the back, ensuring both efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

The team's development of Seamless Modularization technology has revolutionized the way transparent solar cells are constructed. By eliminating gaps between devices without the use of metal wires, they have successfully addressed the issue of aesthetics that has plagued previous modularization methods. This breakthrough has paved the way for the creation of seamless and visually appealing transparent solar cell modules.

The newly developed 16 cm²-sized transparent solar cell module has demonstrated impressive efficiency levels, ranging from 20% to 14.7% in transmittance, all while maintaining aesthetics similar to that of a single device. In a remarkable feat, the module was able to charge a smartphone using natural sunlight, showcasing its practical applications. Furthermore, it has opened up possibilities for utilizing the screens of small mobile devices as energy sources, highlighting the versatility of this technology.

Researcher Jeonghwan Park and Research Assistant Professor Kangmin Lee expressed their excitement about the project, stating, “This study has fundamentally addressed the aesthetic challenges associated with existing solar cell modularization methods through the innovative design of the new device structure. It has demonstrated the potential for transparent silicon solar cells to be integrated into various industries, including small devices, buildings, and automobile glass.”

Professor Seo emphasized the significance of this research, stating, “We have embarked on a new path in modularization research, a crucial step towards the commercialization of transparent silicon solar cells. Our goal is to further advance this technology so that transparent solar cells can play a pivotal role in the eco-friendly future energy industry.” The research findings were published in the prestigious international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on August 7, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the field of solar energy research.