Researchers implant square photovoltaic 'islands' into glass Oxford University researchers believe neutral-colored, semi-transparent solar cells could be used in building and car windows to generate electricity. In a newly released report (fee charged), the researchers stated that use of a thin film of a mineral called perovskite could form see-through, flat solar cells with comparatively high efficiencies. Perovskite is an oxide used in ceramic superconductors. The thin-film photovoltaics are dispersed like “islands” throughout the glass and are small enough “to appear continuous to the eye yet large enough to enable unattenuated transmission of light between the islands,” the researchers stated. Photovoltaic technology converts light into electrical energy. The photovoltaic islands are also thick enough to absorb most visible light. “Using these films, we fabricate thin-film solar cells with respectable power conversion efficiencies,” the researchers said. “Remarkably, we find that such discontinuous films still have good rectification behavior and relatively high open-circuit voltages.” The scientists said they were also able to easily tint the photovoltaic arrays with colored dye and have no reduction in performance. This article, Transparent solar cells could turn windows into generators, was originally published at Computerworld.com. Lucas Mearian covers consumer data storage, consumerization of IT, mobile device management, renewable energy, telematics/car tech and entertainment tech for Computerworld. Follow Lucas on Twitter at @lucasmearian or subscribe to Lucas’s RSS feed . His e-mail address is lmearian@computerworld.com. See more by Lucas Mearian on Computerworld.com. Related content news analysis Apple earnings: About that iPhone 'slump' in China Based on information from Thursday's earnings report, it seems that data pointing to an iPhone slump in China were over-baked. By Jonny Evans May 03, 2024 9 mins iMac iPhone Apple news Microsoft begins to phase out ‘classic’ Teams Microsoft is encouraging Teams customers to move to the new, faster version of the collaboration app; the older version will be switched off next year. By Matthew Finnegan May 03, 2024 3 mins Microsoft Teams Collaboration Software Productivity Software news analysis Apple confirms it will open up the iPad in Europe this fall The latest efforts to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act mean developers can offer to side load apps to both iPhones and iPads in the EU. Apple has also taken steps to improve what it offers to smaller and non-commercial developers in the By Jonny Evans May 02, 2024 6 mins iPad Apple Mobile Apps news Udacity offers laid-off US workers free access to its courses for 30 days Sign-ups will be available over the next 30 days By Lucas Mearian May 02, 2024 4 mins Technology Industry IT Jobs IT Skills Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe