Researchers have long been working on advanced solar energy technologies that could allow windows themselves to function in a way similar to photovoltaic panels. And now, that effort may be closer to commercial reality with help from recent advances.
According to an announcement from New Energy Technologies, it has developed SolarWindow technology that can allow everyday surfaces like windows to generate clean electricity - from artificial as well as natural sources.
SolarWindow is actually a spray-on technology that is said to have the potential to outperform current technologies as much as 10-fold even under lower intensity light. The technology was developed by Leicester University and a Norwegian company.
Another benefit from a cost standpoint is that the SolarWindow spray can be applied to surfaces at room temperature, which eliminates the need for the high-temperature and intensive procedures currently in use in many parts of the photovoltaic manufacturing industry.
The announcement added that even fluorescent lighting could be used to generate power, which could allow for more clean energy generation regardless of weather conditions or time of day.