Windows that will be able to generate electricity for home use could be available in as little as three years time, MIT reports.

A mixture of dyes are painted onto the glass or plastic. "The dyes work together to absorb light across a range of wavelengths, which is then re-emitted at a different wavelength and transported across the pane to waiting solar cells at the edges," the MIT report says.

There are a few companies developing this technology. Nanosolar in the US and Xerocoat in Australia. It will be interesting as to who gets it to market first. If I had a crystal ball I would definitely invest some money into the winning company.

Similar technology was developed way back in the the 1970s, but it was abandoned due to lack of interest. But with interest in solar power at its highest for years, the research team has brought it back to life using techniques developed for lasers.

The research teams solar concentrator technology can increase the power obtained from solar cells by a factor of over 40, the university reports. This is impressive stuff!

"Solar cells transform sunlight into electricity by using a semiconductor device, typically made of silicon. Solar cells are packaged into solar panels, which can be installed on rooftops or large fields," says MIT.

"Solar concentrators collect light over large areas and focus it onto smaller areas of solar cells. This increases the electrical power obtained from each solar cell. Solar concentrators can reduce the cost of solar power since more electricity is obtained per solar cell, and fewer solar cells are needed."

And the concentrators can be added onto existing solar power sources to increase their efficiency by 50 percent for minimal additional cost, which would substantially lower the cost of solar electricity and make it affordable for everyone.

Now that is good news!

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