If you have ever wondered if the effectiveness of see-through solar panel is as good as those from conventional panels, you are not alone. This type of panel doesn't transmit as much light, and they cost more as a result. Let's find out why see-through solar panels are not the best choice for your home.
Transparent panels are less efficient than conventional solar panels
Due to their lower efficiency, transparent solar panel are not as efficient. These panels have a lower thermal mass but still require sunlight to function. These panels can be inefficient in certain situations. However, the large-scale deployment of these panels compensates for this disadvantage. Because transparent panels are made from glass, they can be more fragile that conventional solar panels. This is why extra care must always be taken with them. These panels require different electronic devices in order to work properly.
These limitations aside, transparent solar panels have a lot of potential. The glass surfaces of buildings and skyscrapers are a great place to capture sunlight. Transparent solar cells are the future of solar panel technology, according to Richard Lunt (Johansen Crosby Endowed Associate professor of Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University).
They transmit less light
Contrary to conventional solar panels, see-through panels transmit less sunlight than regular panels. This is because the back contact of regular thin-film solar cells is made of a non-transparent metal. This means that solar cells can trap more light and are more efficient. It is however very costly to make a back electrode with the right properties.
These are more costly
It is because transparent solar panels cost more. Because they are transparent, you will need more cells and glasses. However, the panels themselves are not that expensive. It depends on what type of glass is used and how the PV coating is applied. If it is done properly, they will produce the same amount as rooftop solar panels.
Solar panel manufacturers must develop new materials with greater efficiency to make them more affordable. They should be tuned for the solar spectrum. This is essential to ensure they don’t absorb light at longer wavelengths. The new technology will make it possible to make solar panels from less material and make them cheaper.