Subscribe now

Technology

Smart solar windows could power your home and also keep it cool

By Alison George

3 July 2018

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

The perfect window lets you see through it – but also generates power

Rob Wilkinson / Alamy Stock Photo

A new solar cell material could create windows that produce electricity and help keep your house cool.

The research involved a three-way juggling act. The new material not only had to be transparent like ordinary glass window but also harvest light to make electricity while also  blocking it to keep the building cool.

So Hin-Lap Yip of the South China University of Technology and his team used transparent polymer solar cells that allow visible light through but convert near-infrared wavelengths into an…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop