Researchers at NREL have developed a thermochromic perovskite (e.g. CsPbI2Br) photovoltaic device that reversibly switches between a transparent and tinted state by a solid phase change. In its first state the device is transparent and converts only non-visible-spectrum light to electricity. When the device is sufficiently heated from sunlight, a phase change occurs and it absorbs the visible portion of the solar spectrum, thereby becoming tinted. This invention is a significant step toward the economical production of solar windows that dynamically modulate absorption and transmission properties while always converting incident sunlight into usable electricity.
This technology is within the Device Architecture category of NRELâs perovskite portfolio. For further information regarding NREL's broader perovskite portfolio, please visit NREL's Perovskite Patent Portfolio website.
For more information on Energy-Harvesting Chromogenic Devices, please visit the Chromic Technologies for Photovoltaic Applications Portfolio Summary or contact Bill Hadley at Bill.Hadley@nrel.gov
ROI 17-09.
Applications and Industries
- Smart windows
- Building integrated photovoltaics
- Commercial and residential buildings
Benefits
- Switchable between light absorbing and transparent states
- Photovoltaically active in both absorbing and transparent state
- Tunable switching temperature