Transparent Solar Panels: What Do They Cost, And Are There Any Disadvantages? – SlashGear

This isn’t the easiest question to answer, primarily because residential solar glass isn’t all that widespread. The technology is being implemented in commercial and agricultural solutions, so any costs to homeowners will mostly be educated estimates.

According to Vivian Loftness, a professor at Carnegie Mellon’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, a single window installation may cost $1,000. Considering how many windows modern homes have, the transparent solar panel conversion could easily start at $10,000.

Windows aren’t the only thing you may be eyeing for solar glass. For example, you may consider swapping out your skylights for solar alternatives. According to Solar Tech Advisor, changing to a transparent panel could cost upwards of $25 per square foot. That’s five times the cost of a traditional, roof-mounted solar panel.

Though glass solar panels may be less durable and more expensive than conventional panels, Loftness notes that they should last at least 50 years. Estimates for rooftop panels give them about 25 to 30 years before needing to be replaced.