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Metallic nanoparticles can direct light better into the solar cell and prevent light from escaping. In conventional 'thick-film' solar cells, the nanoparticles would have little effect because all the light is absorbed by the film due to its thickness. For thin films, however, the nanoparticles can make a big difference.

Green is the most efficient "semi-transparent" colour for producing electricity, although red and purple also work well. Oxford PV predicts that manufacturing costs of its product will be around 50% less than the current lowest-cost thin film technology and expects its new mechanism will eventually match the unsubsidised cost of electricity generated from fossil fuels.