Sunny and clear

A team of 10 UCLA researchers across multiple science departments recently collaborated to develop a transparent solar cell. Instead of capturing the full spectrum of light waves from the sun, these cells harness only the invisible infrared light waves. Their study, published in an American Chemical Society journal in July, could mean the possibility of power-generating windows. Just imagine the design applications: a skyline full of power-generating skyscrapers with solar-panel windows; glass windows and doors in your home powering your appliances; car windows soaking up the sun and charging your battery. To read the full article in ACS Nano, visit http://tinyurl.com/solarcells2012.