Researchers at MIT have discovered a new method for making solar panels that allow light to pass through them and can act as windows. The discovery could allow the installation of windows to generate power from the sun with little structural changes.

The windows work by concentrating the light at the edges of the glass where it is then collected by solar panels. The researchers say that the method can produce 10 times more energy than typical solar cells.

The process also allows the expensive solar cells to only be placed around the edges making for a cheaper installation. “Light is gathered over a large area [like a window] and gathered, or concentrated, at the edges. The cost of photovoltaic power can be reduced with organic solar concentrators,” said Professor Marc Baldo, the leader of the research team at MIT.

Via Independent