A smartphone that charges with solar power: researchers develop transparent solar cells to integrate into glass.

A team of researchers from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has made a remarkable advance in integrating renewable energy into everyday devices. They have created transparent solar cells that can be incorporated into the glass surfaces of mobile phones, cars, and buildings, providing an efficient solution to generate energy from sunlight, thus eliminating the need for wires or plugs.

Led by Professor Kwanyong Seo, the new solar cell features a colorless and transparent design, similar to glass. This advancement is achieved through an innovative design known as "total rear contact," which places all components at the back, allowing the front to remain visually clear. Additionally, the Seamless Modularization technology eliminates gaps between the solar cells and the need for opaque metal wires, which had previously affected the aesthetics of these technologies.

The transparent solar cell module, with an area of 16 cm², demonstrated high efficiency, with transmittance ranging from 20% to 14.7%. In tests, a smartphone was able to charge using natural sunlight, highlighting the possibility of device screens becoming sources of energy.

According to researchers Jeonghwan Park and Kangmin Lee, this study has fundamentally resolved the aesthetic problem associated with the modularization of existing solar cells through the new structural design. This suggests that translucent silicon solar cells could be applicable in various industries, from small devices to automotive glass and building structures.

Professor Seo also notes that they have opened a new pathway in research on modularization, a crucial aspect for the commercialization of these transparent solar cells. The team plans to continue their research so that these technologies can play a key role in the future of sustainable energy.