Transparent solar panels: what they really are and how photovoltaic glass modules work
24 June 2026
"Transparent solar panels" usually brings to mind a glass module mounted on a roof. But the term has a second meaning, one that's especially useful for designers: glass building elements that replace any glazed surface — balustrades, curtain walls — while generating energy at the same time.
With regulations now requiring newly-built and renovated buildings to cover at least 60% and 40% of their energy needs from renewable sources respectively, transparent photovoltaics offer a way to activate surfaces well beyond the limited area of the roof.
In this guide we'll look at what transparent solar panels are, how they differ from photovoltaic glass modules, where they're used, what they cost and how to choose the right one.
Transparent solar panels or photovoltaic glass?
There are two types of transparent photovoltaics. They're easy to mix up, but they serve different purposes.
Transparent solar panels, also called glass-glass modules, are ordinary solar panels with one difference: the two sheets sandwiching the cells are glass rather than the usual opaque backing. The cells stay visible, but because the glass is transparent, daylight passes straight through and lights the room naturally. That makes them a good fit for veranda roofs, skylights and greenhouses.
Photovoltaic glass modules, on the other hand, reproduce the look and properties of traditional glass — transparency, brightness and impact resistance — while discreetly generating energy through invisible solar cells. A photovoltaic glass module can therefore replace the glass in any surface, from façade to balustrade, expanding a building's energy production beyond the limited area of the roof.
How transparency works: levels and implications
One of the advantages of photovoltaic glass is how customisable it is; transparency, for example, can range from 0% to 80%.
The darker the panel — and so the lower the transparency — the greater the energy output. That said, the difference in yield between a transparent panel and a dark one is small, so we recommend choosing the level of transparency based on your aesthetic taste and where the glass will be used.
Low transparency offers more privacy, sun and glare protection, and a refined look. This is exactly why it's the typical choice for balustrades.
High transparency is what you want for a bright interior and an open view outward. A solar panel that is 80% transparent works well in offices: exposure to natural light is linked to lower cortisol levels and higher productivity. Vertical curtain walls of offices, restaurants and hotels are the most common application for high-transparency photovoltaic glass.
Where photovoltaic glass modules are used
Energy Building Materials (EBM) are extremely versatile, because they can replace any passive glazed surface. Here are the main applications.
Photovoltaic curtain wall
The photovoltaic curtain wall turns the building envelope into a source of clean energy, integrating photovoltaic glass modules directly into the building's vertical surface.
Photovoltaic ventilated wall
Unlike the curtain wall, the photovoltaic ventilated wall clads existing walls and creates an air gap that improves insulation and ventilation. It's well suited for retrofitting commercial and residential buildings.
Photovoltaic balconies and railings
Photovoltaic balconies and railings turns any elevated balustrade, or ground-floor glass fence, into an active surface without compromising safety. It's made of tempered glass which, in the rare event of breakage, shatters into small, non-sharp pieces.
How much do transparent solar panels cost
Prices for transparent solar panels depend on several factors. The one with the biggest impact on the final price is the underlying technology, which can be transparent amorphous silicon, an organic base or graphene.
When it comes to assessing energy efficiency, comparing the cost per watt of transparent photovoltaics with that of a roof panel is misleading, because the two products have different functions. A traditional panel only produces energy: it's installed on top of a roof that has already been paid for. A photovoltaic glass module is the building element itself.
The correct comparison is a different one. On one side, the cost of the photovoltaic glass module. On the other, the combined cost of the traditional building material — the façade glass or the balustrade — plus the separate photovoltaic system that would have to be installed on top of it. Seen this way, the difference per watt shrinks: a single item of expenditure covers two functions, the envelope and energy generation.
How to choose the right module
Several factors come into play when choosing the right model:
- Application: start from the surfaces you have available. Façade, balustrade, floor and roof each call for different modules.
- Transparency: for privacy, sun protection and a more discreet effect, choose a low percentage. For brightness and an open view, go for a high one.
- Expected output: if you need a lot of energy, focus on large surfaces such as curtain walls. For smaller energy requirements, a more compact project — a balustrade or a floor — is enough.
- Regulations: check whether the site is subject to constraints before deciding. In protected areas you need a landscape opinion from the heritage authority (Soprintendenza), which is mandatory but non-binding.
- Consultancy: before making the final choice, it's important to consider every detail with a specialist technician, to reduce errors and ensure a good final result.
Have a project in mind? Get in touch for a technical consultancy and receive a tailored project.
How much does a photovoltaic glass module produce compared to an opaque panel?
Traditional opaque modules have an efficiency of 18–22%, 5–12% higher of photovoltaic glass modules. However, photovoltaic glass makes it possible to exploit surfaces beyond the roof that would otherwise remain passive.
Can they be used in protected areas?
Yes. Transparent photovoltaic glass is compatible with protected areas thanks to its ability to blend into heritage settings. You'll still need to request the landscape opinion from the heritage authority (Soprintendenza), which is mandatory but non-binding.
How long do transparent photovoltaic modules last?
Photovoltaic glass modules have an average lifespan of 20–25 years, in line with traditional solar panels.
Can the colour and format be customised?
Photovoltaic glass modules can be produced in an almost infinite range of shades, so that every photovoltaic element can match the project's style without significant changes in performance. Modules can also be made to the size and thickness required.