What Are Transparent Solar Panels? Types, Cost, and Efficiency Details Included

Transparent solar panels, also known as invisible solar panels or clear solar panels, are a new type of photovoltaic (PV) technology that can generate electricity while letting light pass through. These panels were first developed in 2014 by researchers at Michigan State University. Unlike regular solar panels that block sunlight, transparent solar panels absorb invisible parts of the light spectrum, mainly ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light, while allowing visible light to pass through them.

Transparent solar modules are mostly added to windows, skylights, and buildings as a part of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), where solar panels are integrated right into the structure of a home, office, or skyscraper. 

Currently, transparent solar panels are still in development, and their efficiency ranges from approximately 4% to 12%. That’s extremely low when compared to high-efficiency silicon solar panels. Therefore, invisible solar panels aren’t yet used in rooftop solar panel systems for homes or housing societies.

These clear solar panels utilize advanced technologies, including Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrators (TLSCs) and organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), to convert light into electricity without obstructing the view. While the technology is promising, it still has considerable room to improve before it becomes mainstream.

In this blog, we will explain what transparent solar panels are and who invented them, different types of invisible solar panels, uses and disadvantages of transparent PV panels, how these clear solar panels compare with traditional solar panels, and why silicon solar panels are better for rooftop solar for housing societies, homes, and commercial complexes. 

TL;DR Summary Box: What is the Efficiency of Transparent Solar Panels?

The efficiency of transparent solar modules ranges between 4-12%, based on the type of material used and the technology. Here are the main types of transparent PV panels, alongside their efficiency rates:

• Fully transparent solar panels made of TLSC + quantum dots: 5-8%
• Translucent PV panels made of organic PV + perovskite: 7-12%
• Tinted transparent solar panels made of dye-sensitized + thin-film material: 6-10%
• Flexible transparent solar panels made of organic polymers + CIGS: 4-7%

Here are the main topics covered in this blog in detail:

What Are Transparent Solar Panels?

Transparent solar panels are photovoltaic modules that allow visible light to pass through them and absorb UV and infrared light to generate electricity. This technology is a big breakthrough in building-integrated photovoltaics because it allows electricity generation without compromising aesthetics.

The selective light absorption ability allows the easy integration of clear solar panels into windows and glass facades, without affecting visibility or natural lighting.

Since researchers and manufacturers have been experimenting with various technologies and materials to create highly efficient, invisible solar panels that allow light to pass through while generating electricity, different types of transparent solar panels have emerged, each using distinct technologies. Let’s check out the main technologies:

• Transparent luminescent solar concentrators (TLSC): This technology uses special materials that absorb invisible light and send it to the edges of the solar panel. Small solar cells placed along the edges convert absorbed invisible light into electricity. This panel looks fully transparent because visible light passes straight through.
• Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs): These cells use organic, carbon-based compounds to absorb ultraviolet and near-infrared light. They’re semi-transparent and can be printed as thin films. Also, OPVs are flexible and lightweight. It makes them ideal for glass windows or curved surfaces.
• Perovskite solar cells: Perovskite materials can be chemically altered to control how much light is absorbed or allowed through. Some experimental versions can achieve a balance between transparency and efficiency, but most are still in the lab or early testing stages.
• Transparent conductive films: Every solar panel needs a way to carry the generated electricity. For transparent panels, materials like indium tin oxide are used because they conduct electricity while letting visible light pass through. Keep in mind that these films are a supporting component of transparent solar panels, not the energy-generating part.

History and Discovery of Transparent Solar Panels

The idea of making solar panels that could work like glass first came up in the 1970s. In the late 1980s, researchers at MIT began exploring something called luminescent solar concentrators. But it wasn’t until 2014 that a major breakthrough happened. A team led by Richard Lunt at Michigan State University created the first fully transparent solar cells using organic compounds.

Here are the key milestones in transparent solar module development that you should know about:

• 1976: Weber and Lambe introduced the luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) idea.
• 2010: Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles, created semi-transparent solar cells using silver nanowires.
• 2014: Michigan State University developed the first fully transparent solar concentrator, achieving 1% efficiency.
• 2020: The Michigan State team hit a new record, 8.1% efficiency with 43% transparency, marking major progress. 

How Do Transparent Solar Panels Work?

Transparent or invisible solar panels can do two things at once: 

• They let light pass through them like normal glass 
• They generate electricity like a solar panel

How do they pull off this dual function, you ask? Here’s how the dual functionality takes place:

• Luminescent materials: These materials absorb invisible light such as UV and infrared. Then, they glow or re-emit that energy as another form of light that can be captured and turned into electricity.
• Transparent electrodes: Materials like indium tin oxide or silver nanowires carry electricity across the panel without blocking light.
• Anti-reflective coatings: These thin coatings help reduce glare and prevent light from bouncing off the surface.
• Light-guiding layers: These layers act like invisible channels inside the glass. They catch the re-emitted light and move it sideways to tiny solar cells placed around the edges. It’s around these edges that the absorbed light is turned into electricity.

Step-by-Step Guide on How Transparent PV Panels Work

Transparent photovoltaic panels convert sunlight to electricity through a multi-step process, beginning with light spectrum separation and ending with DC generation and transmission. Let’s understand the working in simple steps.

Step 1: Light Spectrum Separation

When sunlight hits the panel surface, different parts of the light spectrum are treated differently:

• Visible light passes through unobstructed.
• Luminescent materials absorb ultraviolet light and infrared light.

Step 2: Photon Absorption and Conversion

The invisible UV and IR light absorbed by the panel is captured by special materials that turn it into usable light inside the glass. Instead of letting this energy escape, the panel redirects it toward the edges, where it can be collected.

Step 3: Light Concentration and Direction

The converted light travels through the panel toward its edges.

• This is done using internal light-guiding layers that reflect the light sideways.
• Anti-reflective coatings on the glass surface reduce glare and stop light from bouncing away. 
• The goal is to concentrate the energy where it can be harvested efficiently.

Step 4: Electrical Energy Generation

Tiny solar cells are placed along the panel’s edges to capture this guided light.

• These edge-mounted cells convert the light into electricity using the photovoltaic effect.
• Transparent conductive films carry the electricity without blocking visibility.

Step 5: Power Output and Integration

The panel produces electricity in the form of direct current (DC). This power can then be sent to a solar inverter to convert it into alternating current (AC) for use in buildings or stored in lithium batteries.

What Are the Types of Transparent PV Panels?

Transparent solar panels are available in various configurations, each designed using different materials for specific applications and transparency requirements. Some are completely transparent, while others are translucent with 40-60% light transmission ability. 

Let’s check out the different types of transparent solar panels based on the solar technologies used:

• Fully transparent solar panels: These offer maximum clarity, and their efficiency rates are between 5-8%.
• Translucent solar panels or semi-transparent panels: They allow 40-60% light transmission and achieve 7-12% efficiency.
• Tinted transparent PV panels: There are colored versions of transparent solar panels that provide heat reduction benefits alongside energy generation.
• Flexible transparent films: These include thin-film panels for curved surfaces.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of how the main types of transparent photovoltaic panels differ from each other:

Transparent Solar Panels vs Traditional Silicon Solar Panels: Which is Better for Rooftop Solar, and Why?

Transparent solar panels are not only a lot more expensive than traditional silicon solar panels, they’re also a lot less efficient. The maximum efficiency of high-efficiency bifacial solar panels with mono-PERC cells is up to 22.5%. On the contrary, the efficiency of transparent solar panels ranges between 4-12%, depending on the level of transparency and material used.

Traditional silicon solar panels are used for commercial rooftop systems and those for homes and housing societies over transparent solar panels because of the following reasons: 

• They’re cheaper: The cost of transparent solar panels is higher than that of silicon solar panels used to build kW-scale rooftop solar systems.
• They’re more efficient: The efficiency of bifacial solar panels with mono-PERC half-cut cells ranges up to 22.5%. 
• They’re built to last in harsh outdoor weather conditions: They can last for 25+ years under intense heat, rain, and snow. 
• Indian government offers homeowners and housing societies a subsidy: You will get a subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for installing on-grid rooftop solar systems. However, bear in mind that this subsidy will not be offered for off-grid solar systems, ground-mounted solar systems, or solar systems for commercial purposes.

If you’re planning to install a rooftop on-grid solar system in India, here’s an estimated installation cost in a city like Nagpur vs the solar savings you can expect in 25 years:

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar plate price is indicative as of 2nd September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, while calculating savings, we have considered the annual tariff escalation at 3% and the annual degradation at 1%. The actual final savings from solar panel installation depend on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

You can also use SolarSquare’s solar energy calculator to find the estimated solar savings in your city. 

What Are the Uses of Invisible Solar Panels?

The most important uses of invisible solar panels include building windows and facades in BIPV, automotive glass integration for vehicles, and solar greenhouse installations for agricultural purposes. 

Let’s check out all the applications of clear solar panels in detail:

• Building windows and facades: They can be built into offices, apartment complexes, and commercial buildings. This helps generate electricity without blocking natural daylight.
• Automotive glass: Transparent panels can be added to car windows, sunroofs, or windshields. In electric vehicles, this extra power can reduce the load on the main lithium battery.
• Greenhouse agriculture: Farmers can install them in greenhouse roofs and walls. The transparent panels generate energy while still allowing the right amount of sunlight for plants.
• Skylights and roof glazing: They can replace normal skylights in places like malls, airports, and offices, providing both light and electricity.
• Consumer electronics: Transparent solar layers are being tested in phone and tablet screens so devices can charge from ambient light.
• Transportation infrastructure: Bus stops, train stations, and airports can use these panels in glass structures to power lights and displays.
• Commercial signage: Digital billboards and shopfront displays can run on integrated transparent solar panels, reducing external power needs.

What Are the Disadvantages of Transparent Solar Panels?

Transparent solar panels sound promising, but they also come with several drawbacks that currently limit their use. The biggest issues are their lower efficiency, high cost, and the fact that they’re still in the early stages of development.

Here are the main disadvantages that limit the mass-scale adoption of transparent photovoltaic modules in India:

• Low efficiency: Transparent solar modules convert less solar radiation into electricity compared to traditional solar panels. This means you will need a larger surface area to generate the same amount of power.
• High cost: Since the technology is still new, production is expensive. Transparent PV panels cost much more per square foot than regular solar panels.
• Limited availability: Unlike silicon solar panels that are widely available, transparent solar panels are still being tested and produced in smaller numbers.
• Shorter lifespan: Many transparent panels, especially those made with organic or perovskite materials, don’t last as long as conventional panels. Their performance can decline more rapidly over time.
• Not suitable for rooftops yet: Because of their lower efficiency and high rates, transparent PV panels aren’t the best choice for rooftop solar systems where maximum power output is needed. They work better in places like windows, facades, or skylights.

Transparent Solar Panels Price Details in 2025

The cost of transparent solar panels in India in 2025 is ~Rs. 5,500 per square foot. Keep in mind, this is just an approximate starting price. Actual transparent solar panel prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as brand, design, efficiency, and even location.

Here are the main reasons why the cost of transparent solar panels can differ:

• Level of transparency: Fully transparent photovoltaic panels, which resemble plain glass, typically cost more than translucent solar panels, as they require more advanced technology to allow maximum visible light to pass through while still generating electricity using solar renewable energy.
• Efficiency rating: Panels with higher efficiency that deliver more power output per square foot come at a premium cost. Lower-efficiency invisible solar panels are more cost-effective but may require a larger surface area to generate the same amount of energy.
• Technology used: Different designs drive cost differences. For example, transparent photovoltaic panels based on TLSC (Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrators) may be priced differently than those using organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) or perovskite materials.
• Durability and lifespan: Some transparent PV panels are designed with stronger coatings, better UV stability, or higher weather resistance. These tend to cost more.
• Customization and integration: Transparent solar panels designed for specific architectural applications, such as building facades, skylights, or curved glass, often require customization. It increases their cost.
• Supplier and import source: The prices of transparent solar panels can differ depending on whether the panels are produced locally in India or imported. Imported models are costly due to shipping and import duties.

What’s the Future of Transparent Solar Panels in India?

Invisible solar panels are promising, but they’re still an emerging technology with significant potential for efficiency improvements and cost reductions over the next decade. The mainstream adoption of invisible solar panels for rooftop solar systems in India depends on the following factors:

• Can they achieve efficiencies equal to or higher than traditional silicon panels?
• Can they last longer than silicon solar panels that are built to last for 25+ years in harsh outdoor weather?
• Can they offer higher efficiencies at rates lower than or equal to silicon solar panels?

While the technology is promising, whether invisible solar panels will overtake silicon solar panels is a topic for the distant future. 

Conclusion 

Transparent solar panels are a promising PV technology that balances energy generation with aesthetics. They offer unique solutions for urban areas where space is limited. However, their current efficiency rates and higher cost are clear speedbreakers that researchers must overcome to make these solar panels mainstream. 

If you’re looking to install solar panels on your rooftop, transparent solar panels are not the right choice in India yet. You should opt for on-grid rooftop solar PV panels made of silicon cells. For any further details, book a free solar consultation call with SolarSquare.

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FAQs

Q1. Are transparent solar panels more expensive?

Ans. Yes. Transparent solar panels cost a lot more per square foot than the high-efficiency silicon solar panels that not only convert up to 22.5% sunlight into electricity but also last for 25+ years.

Q2. How efficient are transparent solar panels today?

Ans. Here are the efficiency rates of different types of transparent solar panels: Fully transparent solar panels made of TLSC + quantum dots: 5-8% Translucent PV panels made of organic PV + perovskite: 7-12% Tinted transparent solar panels made of dye-sensitized + thin-film material: 6-10% Flexible transparent solar panels made of organic polymers + CIGS: 4-7%

Q3. Are transparent solar panels available commercially in India?

Ans. Currently, transparent solar panels are available only for pilot projects and specialized installations. Widespread residential availability is for the future, once the cost is reduced and efficiency increases.

Q4. Can transparent solar panels power an entire building?

Ans. Clear solar panels alone cannot power an entire building due to their lower efficiency and limited installation area. They work best as supplementary energy sources combined with traditional solar installations or grid connections.

Q5. What maintenance do transparent solar panels require?

Ans. Transparent solar modules require regular cleaning similar to windows. Monthly cleaning is recommended in dusty Indian conditions, along with annual electrical inspections.