# See-Through Solar Panels UCLA Transparent Solar Cells are in Development By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-07-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ucla-transparent-solar-cells References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/22/ucla-creates-transparent-solar-cell/) & [pubs.acs.org](http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn3029327?journalCode=ancac3) A slew of exciting possibilities may come to mind when you get a glimpse of these innovative UCLA transparent solar cells. The range of objects and technologies to which they can be applied is broad and would usher in a new age of [eco-friendly practices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-technology). Researchers at the [University of California](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squid-skin) Los Angeles have so far worked out how to produce a panel at 66% transparency that can manage 4% energy conversion from the sun. The images show how even the previous cloudy-sounding number actually offers a remarkable clarity. Through continuing efforts, the UV-sensitive films and composite electrodes will surely get more limpid and you might find UCLA transparent solar cells integrated into [windows and even smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphone-screen-technology). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Transparent Solar Panels:** Innovative transparent solar cells will transform windows and other everyday objects into eco-friendly sources of power. - **Uv-sensitive Films:** The development of more limpid, UV-sensitive films in transparent solar panel technology creates new opportunities for energy conversion from sunlight. - **Integrated Solar Technology:** The integration of UCLA's transparent solar cell technology into smartphones and other devices could revolutionize portable energy sources and charging capabilities. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** Transparent solar panels will change the way buildings are designed, as windows can now become eco-friendly sources of power rather than energy drains. - **Consumer Electronics:** With the potential for integration into smartphones and other devices, transparent solar cells could transform portable energy sources and charging capabilities for consumers. - **Renewable Energy:** UCLA's transparent solar panel technology offers a new avenue for renewable energy sources, with applications for power generation in homes, businesses, and beyond. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Ultra-Thin Solar Panel Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-2.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Transparent Television Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transparent-microled-display.md) - [Invisible Vehicle Antennas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transparent-antenna.md)