For all the benefits of solar power in both residential and commercial applications, there is one common drawback: they look a little out of place sometimes. 

I think we've gotten used to seeing them on people's homes. We've even gotten used to seeing “solar farms” by the side of the road. But what if they were designed to somehow blend in with the environment? 

What if they were, let's say, transparent? 

Alas, introducing the see-through solar panel that could change the hearts and minds of those who don't like to see “those eyesores” on otherwise beautiful homes and architecture. Researchers continue to work on the performance and efficiency of these panels to ensure they deliver the same output as more traditional panels. 

In this article the author refers to the opportunity within agrivoltaics, which is when the land has dual use as both a solar farm and – under and around the PV panels – agricultural use. These transparent panels would enable the light to get through to the crops while still maximizing energy production.