KAUST Professor Derya Baran and her team at startup iyris have developed transparent solar panels that can turn windows into a source of renewable energy. The technology allows buildings to generate their own electricity, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for sustainable energy. iyris' first customer is the Red Sea Farm, another KAUST-based business, which aims to use the windows to improve plant growth and crop yield. Why it matters: This innovation could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable urban development in the region, where cooling demands drive high electricity consumption.
Researchers from KAUST and University of Toronto have created a two-sided perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell that exceeds the performance limits for tandem configurations. The bifacial design captures both direct sunlight and light reflected from the ground (albedo). Outdoor testing demonstrated efficiencies beyond commercial silicon solar panels. Why it matters: This innovation promises ultra-high power generation at affordable costs, potentially revolutionizing the photovoltaics market in the region and globally.
KAUST's Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory (FuNL), led by Prof. Osman Bakr, focuses on synthesizing nanomaterials with novel optical, electronic, and magnetic properties for solar cells and other devices. The lab's research centers on controlling the size and composition of nanoparticles to optimize light absorption across different wavelengths. Unlike silicon-based solar cells, nanoparticle-based solar cells can be processed at low temperatures and potentially integrated with roll-to-roll printing. Why it matters: This research could lead to more efficient and versatile solar energy solutions, including printable photovoltaic thin films for buildings and flexible electronics.
KAUST researchers have developed solar panels with 4D-printed legs that readjust their position to track the sun's movement without consuming electrical energy. The design uses smart materials that contract when exposed to sunlight, tilting the panel towards the sun. A multidisciplinary team of interns collaborated on the project, integrating physics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering expertise. Why it matters: This low-cost, energy-efficient solar-tracking technology could significantly increase the energy output of solar cells, offering a viable renewable energy solution for the region and beyond.
KAUST researchers have achieved a breakthrough by passing the damp-heat test for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a rigorous assessment of their ability to withstand prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperatures. The team engineered 2D-perovskite passivation layers that block moisture and enhance power conversion efficiencies. The successful test, which requires maintaining 95% of initial performance after 1,000 hours at 85% humidity and 85 degrees Celsius, marks a significant step toward commercialization. Why it matters: This advancement addresses a critical weakness of PSCs and brings the technology closer to competing with silicon solar cells in terms of stability and longevity, crucial for widespread adoption of renewable energy.