New technology has been developed that could revolutionise the way windows and
solar panels are made.
Scientists at the University of Leicester have confirmed that they worked with Norwegian company EnSol AS to develop thin film
solar cell technology that can be coated onto windows or buildings to generate electricity.
Professor of nanotechnology at the University of Leicester, Professor Chris Binns, explained why the developments could prove to be so important.
"One of the key advantages is that it is a transparent thin film that can be coated onto window glass so that windows in buildings can also become power generators," he said.
"Conversely the structural material of the building can also be coated with a higher degree of absorption. This could be side panels of the building itself, or even in the form of 'clip-together'
solar roof tiles."
The parties involved in developing the technology have indicated that it will not be available commercially until 2016.
Nevertheless, installations of currently-available
solar panels are expected to grow in 2011, according to a report published by iSuppli recently.
