Transparent solar panels allow light to pass through, making them ideal for windows and skylights while regular panels are more efficient at converting sunlight to electricity. Cons: lower efficiency and higher cost. This guide explains how the technology works, what performance to expect, where transparent solutions fit best, and how to evaluate glass products available now. It is written for. . Michigan State University (MSU) introduced the first fully clear solar panels in 2014, often called invisible solar panels or photovoltaic glass. In contrast to traditional panels that require opaque, large areas, you can install these transparent modules in windows, facades, skylights, and other similar. .