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Solar Smart Window could offer Privacy, Light control on demand

Scientists have developed a solar smart window that could power itself and other devices. Credit: American Chemical Society

Scientists have developed a solar smart window that could power itself and other devices. Credit: American Chemical Society

Regular Smart windows get darker to filter out the sun’s rays on bright days, and turn clear on cloudy days to let more light in. This feature can help control indoor temperatures and offers some privacy without resorting to blinds. Now scientists report a new development in this growing niche: solar smart windows that can turn opaque on demand and even power other devices. The study appears in ACS Photonics.

Most existing solar-powered smart windows are designed to respond automatically to changing conditions, such as light or heat. But this means that on cool or cloudy days, consumers can’t flip a switch and tint the windows for privacy...

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