Transparent solar windows represent a revolutionary advancement in Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), offering the potential to convert the extensive glass surfaces of modern cities into decentralized, vertical solar power plants. By selectively harvesting non-visible portions of the solar spectrum—specifically ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation—these windows generate electricity while maintaining visibility, aesthetics, and architectural functionality. The technology relies on advanced materials such as transparent luminescent solar concentrators (TLSCs), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), and semi-transparent perovskite solar cells, each engineered to balance transparency with conversion efficiency. Transparent solar windows address growing urban energy demands and alleviate constraints related to land scarcity, providing a sustainable pathway for netzero energy buildings and resilient smart cities. This paper presents the scientific principles, material structures, emerging technologies, potential applications, advantages, and challenges associated with transparent solar windows, highlighting their transformative role in future urban energy ecosystems.
Krishnakartik et al. (Mon,) studied this question.