The panel, dubbed transparent luminescent solar concentrator, uses organic molecules to absorb invisible wavelengths of light.
The material moves the invisible light such as ultraviolet to the edges of the panel. The strips of photovoltaic solar cells then pick up the light from the panel and transform it to energy.
According to researchers, past attempts at similar technology gave poor results as the energy produced was inefficient and the materials were highly colored.
The new solar concentrator can work on buildings, cell phones and any other device, which has a clear surface.
MSU assistant professor of chemical engineering and materials science Richard Lunt said: "No one wants to sit behind colored glass.
"It makes for a very colorful environment, like working in a disco. We take an approach where we actually make the luminescent active layer itself transparent."
The technology, which is currently at an early stage of development, has the potential to be used in commercial or industrial applications for an affordable cost.
The efficiency of present version of the transparent solar cells is around 1%, which the research team intends to increase it to beyond 5%.
Image: An MSU student holds up a transparent luminescent solar concentrator module. Photo: Courtesy of Yimu Zhao.
