Solar glass is a transparent or semi-transparent material that integrates photovoltaic cells (or similar technologies) directly into glass panels. It generates electricity by capturing sunlight while still functioning as a window or façade. While the concept has been in development for several years, the real breakthrough in 2025 is the use of perovskite solar cells in transparent architectural materials.
Perovskites are a family of materials (calcium carbonate, titanium, oxygen, and strontium) with a specific crystalline structure (ABX3). They’re easy to manufacture and highly efficient at absorbing sunlight and around 25% more effective than traditional solar panels. This makes them a strong competitor to silicon, with the added benefits of being thinner, lighter, more flexible, and more transparent.
Beyond efficiency, they offer unique advantages for translucent and transparent applications. For example, their adjustable semi-transparency allows control over how much visible light passes through, and they can generate electricity from infrared and ultraviolet light, expanding their potential uses.
Production costs are relatively low, as perovskites can be printed onto glass or plastic. They’re also compatible with existing technologies, allowing them to be used in tandem with silicon for an efficiency of over 30%. They can also be applied as printable films or even sprayed onto surfaces, opening up exciting possibilities for modern architecture.
