The conventional solar cells that you see on rooftops capture sunlight from only one side, but have you heard about bifacial solar cells? These innovative cells can generate electricity from sunlight falling on both their front and back sides, making them more efficient at harnessing solar energy.
They are still not widely used, though. This is because bifacial solar cells require transparent electrodes to conduct electricity while allowing light to pass through.
Making such electrodes has been challenging as scientists have struggled to find a transparent electrode material that is durable, stable, efficient, and affordable. Finally, a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dharwad has overcome this challenge.
Their latest study highlights the development of a transparent electrode made of two layers of nickel oxide (NiO) and one layer of silver (Ag). This incredible advancement can not only make solar cells more efficient but also increase their adoption in industrial and agricultural setups where traditional solar cells can’t be used.
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