The cells provide 86% transparency with a potential conversion efficiency rate of up to 10%, but as they are based on organic materials they degrade rapidly. Semi-transparent — German solar equipment company Heliatek has developed partially transparent PV panels, which provide 60% transparency and a conversion efficiency rate of around 7.2%.
However, for devices like smartphones that require 100% light transmission, semi transparent panels may not be the ideal choice. Scientists at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have developed a semi-transparent perovskite solar cell with a record-breaking 22.02% efficiency.
The two major types of transparent solar panels include partial and full transparent panels. A German manufacturer, Heliatek Gmb, has developed this partially clear solar panel, which can absorb about 60 percent of the sunlight it receives.
Michigan State University (MSU) developed the first fully transparent photovoltaic (PV) panels in 2014. These panels are suitable for clear windows and even touch screens on devices because they don’t absorb visible sunlight, creating a new paradigm for solar power.
Partial or semi-transparent solar panels are comparatively cheaper than fully transparent solar panels. These modules are good for big offices, buildings with a lot of glass windows – as they will be a cheaper alternative to fully transparent solar panels while producing the same level of output.
Partial transparent solar panels possess a moderate level of translucency, allowing light to pass through while still maintaining some visible transparency. These panels are commonly used in applications where aesthetics and functionality are equally important, such as in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) or solar windows.