Try GOLD - Free
Clear solar cells could make skyscrapers power stations
The Independent
|March 25, 2025
Researchers have set a new efficiency world record for converting sunlight into electricity using transparent solar cells.

The breakthrough, made by an international team from the CitySolar project, is a huge boost for renewable energy, allowing entire skyscrapers to serve as power stations by transforming their windows into solar panels.
By combining organic solar cells with the so-called “miracle material” perovskite, the scientists were able to achieve an efficiency of 12.3 per cent – close to that of commercial solar cells.
“Transparent solar cells could be the next big step in building integrated energy solutions,” said Professor Morten Madsen from the University of Southern Denmark, who was one of the key researchers behind the breakthrough.
This story is from the March 25, 2025 edition of The Independent.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Independent

The Independent
This nation of meat lovers doesn't need a £600 steak
With the UK arm reporting a £5.5m loss and US branches shut, Hannah Twiggs asks what Salt Bae's downfall reveals about the end of food as flex - and the rise of quiet luxury
5 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
'Life's too short: go for what it is you secretly long to do'
Alex Kingston sits down with Helen Coffey to talk 'Strictly', recovery from uterine cancer, repping for superwomen over 60, and resisting getting embroiled in social media drama
8 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
Macron reappoints Lecornu as PM days after resignation
French president Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as the country's prime minister, just days after he offered his resignation.
3 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
‘To be a rebel today is to try and bring people together’
Former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft's Oasis-tinged summer is being followed by a new solo album and arena tour of his own. Time to bury the hatchet with Mark Beaumont and reflect on his extraordinary, rebellious career so far
8 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
‘So many are missing work just to see the car go past’
Manchester was united in blue as it paid tribute to a favourite son. Alex Pattle reports on a stirring farewell that proved Ricky Hatton was treasured even more as a man than a boxer
3 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
Melania ‘in talks’ with Putin over war-displaced children
The US first lady has 'an open channel of communication' regarding Ukrainian children being held captive by Moscow
3 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
Migrant guilty of threats to kill Farage in TikTok video
An Afghan migrant who came over to the UK via small boats was found guilty yesterday of making threats to kill Nigel Farage on TikTok.
3 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
Cooper says she was unable to prosecute China 'spies'
Yvette Cooper has claimed that she wanted alleged Chinese spies prosecuted when she was home secretary, but that her hands were tied.
4 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
When the celebrations end, Netanyahu faces reckoning
The scene in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, on Thursday afternoon was one of nervous relief rather than joy.
3 mins
October 11, 2025

The Independent
We should not be surprised if gigantic AI bubble bursts
Some 25 years ago, I was shown round a “dotcom incubator”.
4 mins
October 11, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size