Recent advances in transparent photovoltaics materials and devices

Transparent photovoltaics (TPVs) represent a transformative class of solar energy technologies that enable electricity generation from transparent surfaces such as windows, facades, and electronic displays, offering a pathway toward decentralized energy systems without compromising aesthetic or functional requirements. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in TPV materials and device architectures. It examines key components critical to TPV performance, including transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs), spectrum-selective absorbers, and device configurations such as non-wavelength-selective, wavelength-selective, as well as luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). The potential of various material systems, including traditional inorganic semiconductors (e.g., silicon, copper indium gallium selenide or CIGS, cadmium telluride or CdTe), organic materials, perovskites, and dye-sensitized structures, is evaluated with a focus on their trade-offs between transmittance and efficiency. Furthermore, the chapter discusses strategies to address challenges such as the transparency-efficiency trade-off, environmental durability, color neutrality, and large-scale manufacturability. By integrating insights from material science, device engineering, and architectural applications, this chapter underscores the pivotal role of TPVs in enabling energy-generating surfaces for buildings, vehicles, greenhouses, and wearable electronics. The convergence of advanced materials, innovative designs, and scalable processes positions TPVs as a promising solution for sustainable as well as distributed energy generation in the built environment.