January 12, 2026 – A new solar cell that is designed to work in locations like windows and flexible surfaces where traditional panels can’t, has been developed by nanotechnology researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU).  

The research was led by Prof. Shlomo Magdassi and Prof. Lioz Etgar from the Hebrew University Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The advance points to new ways of embedding solar technology into windows, building façades, and curved surfaces without compromising appearance or performance. 

The findings, presented in EES Solar, discuss the fabrication of low-temperature processed, flexible, semi-transparent, and color-tunable perovskite solar cells. The researchers can fine-tune how much light passes through and what color the cell appears, by adjusting the thickness of a transparent electrode layer, without altering the solar material itself. This allows the device to reflect select light wavelengths, giving the solar panel different colors while continuing to produce electricity. Additionally, it gives designers far more control over how the technology looks and functions. 

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 change the solar material. Because the method avoids high temperatures and toxic solvents, it is well-suited for more environmentally friendly manufacturing, while giving designers far more control over how the technology looks and functions. 

“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.” 

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

“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.” 

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. 

The research paper titled “Semitransparent color tunable perovskite solar cells with 3D pillar structure” is now available in EES Solar and can be accessed here.

Researchers: