Photovoltaic glass with integrated solar cells was developed in 2010.
Photovoltaic glass is made up of two layers of glass with a thin foil of solar cells in between. The solar cells convert solar energy into electricity. Most solar cell glass has a blue or black tint, making it less practical for windows. However, the newest generation of solar cells collect the sun’s infrared radiation, and are almost completely transparent, making them much more practical for use in windows.
The first photovoltaic glass could convert about 20% of the solar energy into electricity while modern photovoltaic glass can convert up to 50% of solar energy.
