Researchers from MIT have been working on a way to use colored glass to increase the efficiency of solar collection. According to reports, the new technique involves painting dyes across the glass that redirect light to the solar cells placed along the edges, as opposed to covering the whole surface. This reduces the amount of expensive solar cell material required and possibly increases energy output by as much as 10 times.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Science; they have also formed an energy startup called Covalent Solar to “commercialize” and improve the technology.

photo credit: MIT