Scientists Create Invisible Solar Cells

The use of solar power has been around for decades, from traditional solar farms to solar panels on your houses to feed back into the grid, the uses are varied but seem to be limited. Although here have been projects that have made use of this kind of energy, such as solar roads and cycle paths, for the main, it is still an untapped territory when it comes to applications. Things maybe about to change in that regard, though. Silicon Valley startup Ubiquitous Energy is currently making the world’s first transparent solar cells, a technology that could greatly expand the reach of solar power. Just think about it for a moment. How many things could benefit from this type of technology? Skyscrapers, windows, laptops, cell phones, car windows and windscreens; the world is literally full of solar panels.

The technology used is an invisible film, which has been created to go on any surface and generate power. The possibilities for this type of technology are endless. We could end up with this powering our cell phones or tablet computers. But if you start to look at the bigger picture,  you get the idea that this new tech could have global uses. Think skyscrapers; large buildings, such as skyscrapers, could use their vast surface areas of windows and replace them with this coated material to generate solar energy.

Ubiquitous Energy’s technology is a great idea and is seen by some as the solution to our energy needs. As I previously mentioned, the uses could be so varied that it could stretch to all aspects of our lives. Is this the answer to our renewable energy resource needs? Who knows, but the possibilities that are available to implement this kind of technology are huge. 

Check out the video below (via Bloomberg Business) to know more about this fascinating use of tech:

[Image via mashable]

SOURCE: http://bornscientist.com/Technology/?u=Invisible_Solar_Cells_Ready_to_Power_Urban_Cities_and_Skyscrapers