Solar window: 'It's a pretty good solar panel and a pretty good window'

The technique uses transparent dyes to capture, concentrate and redirect light along the surface of the glass to photovoltaic cells in the frame, which convert the light into electricity.

The breakthrough means there is a tenfold increase in power output compared to use of the PV cell alone.

The team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) believes the technology could be available within three years.