Teaser Materials Science

Smart windows could block brightness and harness light

New material pulls double-duty as shade and perovskite solar cell

window pane samples

SOAKIN’ UP SUN  New materials can switch from transparent pane (right) to dark-tinted solar cell (left) and back again.

Jia Lin/U.C. Berkeley

By Maria Temming

- More than 2 years ago

Who needs curtains? One day, you could block out afternoon glare and heat with changeable windows that absorb sunshine to charge your electronics.