What if future solar cells can capture and store solar energy at the same time? Researchers at Kogakuin University in Japan strive to do just. Their translucent lithium-ion battery-solar panel recharges itself when exposed to sunlight, fusing battery storage with renewable energy generation. This elegant design could finally trump the problem of securing effective and affordable storage.
The battery and panel hybrid is a long time in the making for the researchers at Kogakuin. Four years ago, the team unveiled a similarly looking translucent battery, which was connected to a storage device. In order to make the leap, researchers made small modifications to the machine’s material makeup. When the hybrid device is exposed to sunlight, the panel tints to allow for energy capture. After the battery is fully charged, the panel becomes clear again. Its translucence is due to the thinness of the battery, which is only 80 to 90 nanometers thick.
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