Schematic presentation of the main steps involved in the fabrication of a colorful, semi-transparent, flexible perovskite solar cell. Credit: EES Solar (2026). DOI: 10.1039/d5el00153f

A new study highlights a semi-transparent, color-tunable solar cell designed to work in places traditional panels can’t, like windows and flexible surfaces. Using a 3D-printed pillar structure, the researchers can fine-tune how much light passes through and what color the cell appears, without changing the solar material itself. The result is a system that balances strong energy output with durability, while giving designers far more control over how the technology looks and functions.

The research was led by Prof. Shlomo Magdassi and Prof. Lioz Etgar from the Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Hebrew University and the results are published in the journal EES Solar in an article titled "Semitransparent color tunable perovskite solar cells with 3D pillar structure."

Their team developed a semi-transparent, flexible perovskite solar cell that can generate electricity while allowing designers to control how much light passes through it and what color it appears. The advance points to new ways of embedding solar technology into windows, building façades, and curved surfaces without compromising appearance or performance.

Innovative design and manufacturing process

At the heart of the design is a pattern of microscopic polymer pillars created using 3D printing. These tiny structures act like carefully shaped openings that regulate light transmission, eliminating the need to alter the solar material itself. Because the method avoids high temperatures and toxic solvents, it is well suited for flexible surfaces and more environmentally friendly manufacturing.

"Our goal was to rethink how transparency is achieved in solar cells," said Prof. Magdassi. "By using 3D-printed polymer structures made from non-toxic, solvent-free materials, we can precisely control how light moves through the device in a way that is scalable and practical for real-world use."

Color tuning and practical applications

The researchers also showed that the solar cells’ appearance can be tuned by color. By adjusting the thickness of a transparent electrode layer, the device reflects selected wavelengths of light, giving the solar panel different colors while continuing to produce electricity.

"What’s especially exciting is that we can customize both how the device looks and how flexible it is, without sacrificing performance," said Prof. Etgar. "That makes this technology particularly relevant for solar windows and for adding solar functionality to existing buildings."

Performance results and future directions

In laboratory tests, the flexible solar cells reached power conversion efficiencies of up to 9.2%, with about 35% average visible transparency. They also maintained stable performance after repeated bending and during extended operation, key benchmarks for use in real architectural environments.

Looking ahead, the team plans to focus on improving long-term durability through protective encapsulation and barrier layers, with the goal of moving the technology closer to commercial use.

More information: Vikas Sharma et al, Semitransparent color tunable perovskite solar cells with 3D pillar structure, EES Solar (2026). DOI: 10.1039/d5el00153f

Citation: 3D-printed solar panel offers color tuning and transparency for flexible surfaces (2026, January 8) retrieved 8 January 2026 from https://techxplore.com/news/2026-01-3d-solar-panel-tuning-transparency.html

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