Australian engineers are working on transparent solar cells that will act as energy generators in houses, even as they cut down carbon emissions by 50 per cent.

John Bell of Queensland University of Technology said they would make a significant difference to home owners' energy costs and generate excess energy that could be stored or sold, ScienceAlert reported.

"The transparent solar cells have a faint reddish hue but are completely see-through; they contain titanium dioxide coated in a dye that increases light absorption," he said.

"The glass captures solar energy which can be used to power the house but can also reduce overheating of the house, reducing the need for cooling."

Bell said it would be possible to build houses made entirely of transparent solar cells.

Glass was one of a number of practical technologies that would help combat global warming, he said. "Australian housing design tends to encourage high energy use because electricity is so cheap."