Chinese researchers at Nanjing University have presented a transparent coating that turns ordinary windows into a source of solar energy. The new material preserves more than 64% of transmitted light and 91% color accuracy, while remaining visually transparent.
The technology, called CUSC, uses cholesteric liquid crystals that direct part of the light to the edges of the glass, where miniature photovoltaic cells convert it into electricity. In laboratory tests with a directed green laser, conversion efficiency reached 38%. In natural light, it was about 18%. A miniature prototype has already shown it can power a small fan. If the technology is scaled to the size of ordinary windows, it could noticeably reduce buildings’ energy consumption during the day.
The coating can be applied to existing insulated glass units without replacing them. This makes the technology promising for building renovation and energy savings in cities.
