Solar Energy ArticlesGeneration of Electricity By Installing Solar Panels in Home's Windows The windows of our homes have a large surface area, moreover, sunlight is abundantly incident on them throughout the day. Depending upon which season of the year it is, the intensity of sunlight however, may vary. But the fact, as it stands out, the potential of windows to withhold solar panels in them can be an effort worth risking. We explore the same concept of transforming windows into devices of photovoltaic systems to generate electricity that can be utilized in our homes. A new system involving solar panels is a topic of intensive research currently at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A new concept is nurtured and an effort is made in order to transform ideas into reality. Here we are talking about an innovative technology that can equip your home windows with solar panels. However, a question arises about the transparency offered by the new technology windows. The same is very well taken care of and as a matter of fact, window transparency would not be hampered in any way. The key technology behind this technology involves the usage of photovoltaic cells that constitute tiny molecules from organic chemistry. These molecules, at a very micro level are capable of harnessing energy of the sun via its infrared spectrum. The advantage offered by the infrared light to be harnessed and letting go by the visible form of light is that the windows' transparency is still retained. These molecules are to be painted as a coating on to a window glass. They are estimated to supply enough power capable of providing energy supply to smaller loads at our homes. Typically, we are talking about home lighting and other such devices which consume less power. Since these organic molecules are to coated on a window, this will lower the height of installation of solar panels. However, this technology is just at its very native stages. This is proposed to be the nationwide launch in the USA to cope up with the ever increasing demands of the energy needs of the US citizens. However, the outcome of this research might be something different. In fact, it can be considered as a part of "family of solutions" so that it is possible to release least amount of greenhouse gases in the environment. This methodology when adapted all over USA for the power needs of the homes is a significantly less impact on the environment. This idea and the ongoing research on it is definitely not the first one of its kind. But the previous versions and attempts of the same have proven to be failures, especially due to a very high cost of production. The poorest efficiency derived from the research of the past has only made it worse and rendered it useless for practical deployment. However, such a concept when in the stage of materializing for production commercially will be a great success. This is mainly because they are just a coating to be done on to the already existing windows which are deployed. There is no requirement for real-estate as well as the cost incurring infrastructure for the whole new system altogether. When the sides of the high-rise skyscrapers are brightly illuminated in the mornings and evenings due to the low level of the sun in the horizon, this challenge might prove some benefits to the masses. Hence we can expect to generate and thereby store a significant amount of power. To add to the advantage of it, the solar panel film installed on the surface of large windows might be just a few dollars of incremental cost. The hardware required in this case would only be a minimal amount of wired connections and also the voltage controller when connected to a home system. Reference: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/now-building-windows-to-double-up-as-solar-panels/778754/ Related articles
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