Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Madrid have achieved a breakthrough in photovoltaic technology by developing ultra-thin, two-dimensional solar cell prototypes. Using an innovative “hot-pick-up” technique, the Silicon and New Concepts for Solar Cells (SyNC) group created flexible, semi-transparent cells capable of high-efficiency light absorption. Simulations indicate that applying these cells to the facades of urban skyscrapers could provide up to 30% of a building’s total energy requirements. The team is now focusing on scaling production through solution-based spraying methods to facilitate industrial-scale manufacturing and reduce overall costs.
The Silicon and New Concepts for Solar Cells (SyNC) research group, based at the Institute of Solar Energy (IES) within the Polytechnic University of Madrid, is exploring the potential of materials so thin they are effectively considered two-dimensional. Despite their minimal thickness, these materials demonstrate a remarkable ability to absorb sunlight, making them ideal candidates for the next generation of solar cell technology. The researchers utilized a specialized “hot-pick-up” method to assemble the cells, a process where material fragments are precisely selected and deposited within a transparent bubble to create customized, high-performance structures.
To move beyond laboratory prototypes, the Spanish research team is developing techniques to apply these two-dimensional materials onto large surfaces. By utilizing solution-based spraying and deposition processes, the group believes they can scale up production significantly. This transition to liquid-phase processing is expected to lower manufacturing expenses and enable the industrialization of the technology, making it a viable option for the mass market.
The practical applications for this technology are particularly promising for urban environments. In a study simulating the effects of coating a Madrid skyscraper with these semi-transparent solar cells, the researchers estimated that the installation could generate nearly one-third of the building’s electricity. Because the cells are semi-transparent, they allow sufficient natural light to reach the interior of the building, ensuring that office environments remain functional and pleasant while simultaneously producing clean energy.
The SyNC group emphasized that the combination of lightness, flexibility, and low production costs positions these 2D cells as one of the most viable solutions for building-integrated solar applications. This research was supported by multiple grants and initiatives, including the MAD2DCM-UPM project, funded by the Community of Madrid and the European Union, along with support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Naturgy Foundation.