Solar Cell Windows

 

Scientists form the University of Oxford have made solar cells using a metal oxide, which is found in toothpaste, and mixing with a dye which can then be printed onto glass for use as stained glass windows. These stained glass windows can then convert solar energy into electricity.
Dr Henry Snaith and the physics team's solar windows are very useful and efficient because manufacturing  uses common and non-toxic materials and will be much cheaper than other similar products.

Setting this particular product apart form the competitors is that it uses a solid semiconductor rather than liquid electrolytes.This means, as it is not volatile like the others used, it can be printed onto the glass making it a very useful product.

Video: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-12364169

Summary from:  http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/science_blog/110106.html and (also image from:) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-12323647

The product can have great implications for the environment using solar, renewable energy that is more environmentally friendly to produce and cheaper which could mean it is available to more people and can therefore have more of an impact.