A photovoltaic system is formed as a window that is constructed of at least one polymer layer that is filled or decorated with metal nanoparticles and a window frame that includes one or more photovoltaic cells. The metal nanoparticles have a shape and size such that they display surface plasmon resonance frequencies in the near-infrared and/or the near-ultraviolet. The near-infrared and/or the near-ultraviolet radiations are scattered such that they are transmitted parallel to the face of the window to the photovoltaic cells, where an electrical current is generated.