Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have developed transparent solar cells that could revolutionize the way we harness solar energy. Led by Professor Kwanyong Seo from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, the team has created solar cells that can be integrated into mobile devices, vehicles, and even the glass surfaces of buildings.
The breakthrough technology uses an “All-Back Contact” design, ensuring that all components are positioned behind the cell, leaving the front surface completely transparent. This design eliminates the need for visible wires or external power sources, thanks to Seamless Modularization technology that bridges gaps between the cells, creating a clean and efficient look.
Professor Seo emphasized the importance of this innovation in advancing eco-friendly energy solutions. The research team has already tested their 16 cm² solar module, which achieved a high efficiency rate with transmittance ranging from 14.7% to 20%. In one test, they successfully charged a smartphone using only sunlight, demonstrating the potential of these transparent solar cells as a sustainable energy source for smaller devices.
“This study fundamentally solved the aesthetic problem of existing solar cells by designing a new device structure,” explained researchers Jeonghwan Park and Kangmin Lee, highlighting the broad applications for these cells in everything from mobile technology to building-integrated photovoltaics.
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, mark a significant step toward commercializing transparent solar cells as a viable, environmentally friendly energy solution.
