Solar Window as an Energy Source : A Patent Study

A study on the evolution of solar panels/cells within a window has been carried out within the patent database. This paper is a review of the study on solar window. The retrieved patent records were analysed and categorized into different technologies depending on the technical aspect. Several trends in this technology are studied. A timeline of the solar window technology has been presented based on this study. Block diagrams of solar window have been presented before and after significant technical advancements. Several methods of increasing transparency and ventilation of a solar window are discussed. The paper also examines different optical elements used for concentrating light on the solar cells as part of the light concentration technology. This study helps researchers in the field to be aware of the technology trends and develop further as an alternative to the rooftop panels.