Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have developed innovative transparent solar cells that can be integrated into mobile devices, vehicles, and even the glass surfaces of buildings, converting sunlight into electricity.

Led by Professor Kwanyong Seo from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, the groundbreaking technology utilizes an “All-Back Contact” design, placing all components of the solar cell at the back, leaving the front surface completely transparent. This eliminates the need for visible wires or power outlets, thanks to Seamless Modularization technology, which bridges the gaps between cells.

Professor Seo highlighted the significance of this innovation in driving the eco-friendly energy future and underscored the team’s ongoing efforts to commercialize transparent solar cells.

In testing, their 16 cm² solar cell module achieved high efficiency, with transparency ranging from 20% to 14.7%. The team successfully charged a smartphone using sunlight, demonstrating the potential for mobile devices to harness this sustainable energy source.

“This study fundamentally solved the aesthetic challenges of conventional solar cell modularization through a novel device structure,” said researchers Jeonghwan Park and Kangmin Lee. The solar cells have diverse applications, including smaller devices, buildings, and vehicles. The research team remains optimistic and plans to continue their work toward making transparent solar cells a viable and efficient source of clean energy.

The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.