TY  - JOUR
AU  - Katepalli, Anudeep
AU  - Harfmann, Anton
AU  - Bonmarin, Mathias
AU  - Krupczak, John
AU  - Shi, Donglu
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/11/02
TI  - Harvesting Indoor Light for Electricity Recovery Using Semitransparent CdTe Solar Cells for Energy Efficient Buildings
JO  - Journal of Energy and Power Technology
SP  - 019
VL  - 08
IS  - 04
AB  - This study presents a preliminary proof-of-concept demonstration exploring how indoor artificial lighting - specifically LED systems - can serve a dual function: providing illumination while enabling electricity generation through integration with semitransparent photovoltaic (PV) panels. Using cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV cells with varying visible light transmittance levels, we show that diffused indoor LED lighting can generate meaningful electrical output, even under relatively low light power densities. A multi-layer panel configuration further enhances power output, with cumulative power conversion efficiencies substantially exceeding those of individual panels. While the photovoltaic efficiencies remain lower than those of optimized outdoor solar systems operating under standard AM 1.5 conditions, the results demonstrate the feasibility of continuous indoor photon harvesting independent of weather variability. The experiments were conducted under controlled indoor LED illumination and are intended to establish a conceptual framework for integrating energy-harvesting systems within interior spaces - including walls, ceilings, and floors - as a pathway toward energy-neutral buildings. From a cost-benefit perspective, if 15% efficient PV panels were installed on 30% of the Willis Tower’s usable interior surface area, yielding illustrative scenario-based annual electricity savings of approximately $0.81 million under baseline assumptions. These findings highlight the potential of transforming indoor lighting environments into distributed supplemental energy-generation systems supporting long-term building sustainability and reduced energy consumption.
SN  - 2690-1692
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/jept.2604019
DO  - 10.21926/jept.2604019
ID  - Katepalli2026
ER  -