High-performance see-through power windows

Abstract

See-through power windows are developed herein via a new design of semitransparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) that allows for the efficient utilization of spectrum-engineered solar photons from the visible to infrared range with both energy generation and saving features. These OSC-derived power windows simultaneously possess high color fidelity of visible transparency, outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) and energy-saving due to their excellent infrared photon rejection. Further, large-area modules were demonstrated with record PCEs of 16.04% (certified as 15.46%) in opaque and 11.28% in see-through ones, representing the best performing organic solar mini-modules to date. These modules worked healthily under outdoor operation. Our model analysis indicated that the installation of these see-through power windows worldwide would contribute to the carbon neutrality of society.