Australian Associated Press has reported that Australians could soon be living in solar-powered glass houses as part of the battle against climate change.
This prediction follows a report from Professor John Bell of the Queensland University of Technology's Institute for Sustainable Resources. He said houses made almost entirely of glass solar cells could become a reality within three to five years and would be a way for homeowners to cut carbon emissions.
Prof Bell, the institute's program leader for energy, has been working with Canberra-based company Dyesol to develop transparent solar cells that act as both windows and energy generators.
Potentially, a house comprising large areas of cells could become completely self-sustainable, he said.
The transparent solar cells contained titanium dioxide coated in a dye that increased light absorption and the glass captured solar energy which could be used to power the house, as well as reduce overheating.
Prof Bell said the solar cell glass would make a significant difference to energy costs and could also generate excess power that could be stored or onsold into an electricity grid.
Potentially, a house comprising large areas of cells could become completely self-sustainable, he said.
"You obviously can't do all sorts of outrageous energy-using things when you're running on solar cells ... but fundamentally they will generate as much energy as the house uses," Prof Bell said.
He said the glass would be available commercially within five years and could change the way Australians build their homes.
"I think it's absolutely critical for us to think about building our houses differently, generating our own energy in houses and using the energy in houses more efficiently," Prof Bell said.
