Norwegian company EnSol has patented a prototype thin film solar cell technology which is designed to be sprayed onto glass surfaces. They are collaborating with the University of Leicester’s Department of Physics and Astronomy to produce a film using metal nanoparticles embedded in a transparent composite matrix.
Their plans include the development of a thicker film solution that can be used to coat exterior walls, or that could be used as solar roof tiles that could clip together. It is envisaged that this could eventually replace the need for the big solar panels that we currently see on rooftops.