Harvesting Indoor Light for Continuous Electricity Generation Using Semitransparent CdTe Solar Cells for Energy Neutral Buildings

Harvesting Indoor Light for Continuous Electricity Generation Using Semitransparent CdTe Solar Cells for Energy Neutral Buildings | Research Square Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Harvesting Indoor Light for Continuous Electricity Generation Using Semitransparent CdTe Solar Cells for Energy Neutral Buildings Anudeep Katepalli, Anton Harfmann, Mathias Bonmarin, John Krupczak, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9060887/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study presents a preliminary proof-of-concept demonstration exploring how indoor artificial lighting - specifically LED systems - can serve a dual function: providing illumination while enabling electricity generation through integration with semitransparent photovoltaic (PV) panels. Using cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV cells with varying visible light transmittance levels, we show that diffused indoor LED lighting can generate meaningful electrical output, even under relatively low light power densities. A multi-layer panel configuration further enhances power output, underscoring the system's potential scalability. While detailed PV performance data are provided, the broader objective is to initiate discussion on integrating energy-harvesting systems within interior spaces - walls, ceilings, and floors - as a pathway toward energy-neutral buildings. From a cost-benefit perspective, if 15% efficient PV panels were installed on just 30% of the Willis Tower’s surface area, the projected annual electricity savings would be approximately $ 0.81 mil-lion/year. These findings highlight an untapped opportunity to transform indoor lighting into a sustainable energy asset, supporting long-term building efficiency and environ-mental goals. Indoor light harvesting CdTe PV spectral loss transparent multi-panels continuous electricity generation energy-neutral building Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information

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