The day is not too far away when power windows could be integrated anywhere into the structure of a building, just like the roof-mounted solar panels. At the recent PV Expo 2010 in Tokyo, Kyosomi Corporation demonstrated Sphelar solar cells that can be embedded in window glass to harness solar power. The solidified, transparent silicon droplets measure 1.8 mm in diameter and their spherical shape maximizes light absorption from any direction or angle.
Unlike the flatter solar panels, the Sphelar Dome follows the sun and collects ample sunlight even at crack of dawn and nightfall. It means that these cells can harvest solar power for 11 to 13 hours a day in summers and 11 hours in winter.
Via: Gizmag