Abstract: An energy-generating transparent (EGT) structure is provided, in addition to a method for generating energy from light incident to an EGT structure. The EGT structure is made up of a window pane with an interior surface adjacent a reflective structure. The method accepts light incident to an exterior surface of the window pane, and transmits light in the visible spectrum through the window pane and reflective structure. However, light in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum is reflected back from the reflective structure into the window pane, so that reflected NIR, spectrum light is supplied to an edge of the window pane. For example, reflected NIR spectrum light is supplied to the window pane edge if the light has an angle greater than or equal to an angle TIR occurring between the window pane exterior surface and air. This reflected NIR spectrum light can be converted to electrical or thermal energy.

Abstract: An energy-efficient transparent solar film is presented. The solar film has a first film layer with metal nanostructures. The metal nanostructures have plasmon resonances in wavelength bands greater than, or both less than and greater than visible wavelengths, depending on size and shape. The metal nanostructures have no plasmon resonance at visible wavelengths. In another aspect, metal oxide nanocrystals are formed with the first film layer. The metal oxide nanocrystals have absorption in a band of wavelengths less than visible wavelengths, and absorption in a band of wavelengths greater than visible wavelengths. Also provided is a solar film window and fabricating method.

Abstract: An energy-generating transparent (EGT) structure is provided, in addition to a method for generating energy from light incident to an EGT structure. The EGT structure is made up of a window pane with an interior surface adjacent a reflective structure. The method accepts light incident to an exterior surface of the window pane, and transmits light in the visible spectrum through the window pane and reflective structure. However, light in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum is reflected back from the reflective structure into the window pane, so that reflected NIR, spectrum light is supplied to an edge of the window pane. For example, reflected NIR spectrum light is supplied to the window pane edge if the light has an angle greater than or equal to an angle TIR occurring between the window pane exterior surface and air. This reflected NIR spectrum light can be converted to electrical or thermal energy.

Abstract: An energy-efficient transparent solar film is presented. The solar film has a first film layer with metal nanostructures. The metal nanostructures have plasmon resonances in wavelength bands greater than, or both less than and greater than visible wavelengths, depending on size and shape. The metal nanostructures have no plasmon resonance at visible wavelengths. In another aspect, metal oxide nanocrystals are formed with the first film layer. The metal oxide nanocrystals have absorption in a band of wavelengths less than visible wavelengths, and absorption in a band of wavelengths greater than visible wavelengths. Also provided is a solar film window and fabricating method.