Transparent Solar Concentrator

By: Kevin Chung

              Engineers at Michigan State University have created a transparent luminescent solar concentrator, that can turn windows and cellphone screens into solar-power generators. The material works by bending light into a certain surface are that can absorb light in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and reemitting it in infrared. The infrared light is then channeled to the edge of the clear surface, where the thin strips of photovoltaic cells generate power.

Picture Credit: msutoday.msu.edu

              The reason this material is clear is due to the light being emitted isn’t on the visible spectrum, it is infrared. Previous luminescent solar concentrators have been created, but they emitted light from the visible spectrum, giving off various colors and creating stained-glass effect, which was very inconvenient if used to create windows.

              The reason this creation is such a big deal is that its technology can be implemented in the creation of skyscrapers. Every window on a building can be turned into a power source, turning our cities into solar cities. So, any building can become a solar collector now. This technology can also be applied to automobiles, glasses, and smart phones.

              But this design isn’t perfect. Luminescent solar concentrators are less efficient than traditional photovoltaics because they absorb a larger range of wavelengths. And engineers say the solar conversion efficiency is around one percent. Although, researchers say this can be improved to five percent. If you like this article or have something to add, then leave a comment, and Ill respond as soon as I can.

Sources

Boehrer, Katherine. "Researchers Develop Transparent Solar Concentrator That Could Cover Windows,
            Electronics." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.