Review on Semi-Transparent Solar Cells: Applications, Recent Advances and Recent Transparent Conductive Electrode Materials

Semi-transparent solar cells (ST-SC) are a form of technology that combines the advantages of light-to-electricity conversion with transparency for visible light. The integration of such technology as windows in energy-efficient buildings represents one of their greatest prospects. Organic Photovoltaic Semi-Transparent Cells (ST-OPV) and Perovskite Semi-Transparent Solar Cells (ST-PSC) are two types of semi-transparent cells that are now undergoing intensive research and testing. Efficiency records of 14% and 16%, respectively, were recently attained for both types. The average visible light transmittance for ST-OPV and ST-PSC, varied from 23 to 33% and 20 to 30%, respectively. Although efficiency levels have increased recently, additional research is still needed to improve these types of cells so that they are on par with conventional silicon cells. The latest developments in manufacturing methods and various transparent materials electrodes for organic and perovskite semi-transparent cells are presented in this review together with their findings and earlier findings from the literature.