EXCHANGE Volume 01, No. 1, 2023, pp. 81-97

Xin LIU

Analysis of commercialization potential of transparent photovoltaics in the context of carbon neutrality

Abstract: The increasing global industrialization and over-exploitation of fossil fuels has led to the release of greenhouse gases, resulting in higher global temperatures and environmental problems. As a result, there is a growing demand for renewable energy in order to achieve net zero carbon emissions. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) can replace building structures, such as roofs or walls. Among others, transparent photovoltaics (TPVs), which combine visible light transparency and solar energy conversion, are being developed to complement BIPVs for applications such as windows in buildings or vehicles. In this paper, we collate the latest advances in TPVs and strategies for achieving conventional PVs transparency, including thin-film technology, selective light transmission technology and luminescent solar concentrator technology. We further discuss possible research directions for the commercialization of TPVs.

Keywords: Transparent photovoltaics; organic photovoltaics; perovskite solar cells; crystalline silicon solar cells; luminous concentrator solar cells.