Solar cells generate electricity at night: researchers achieve the impossible

Solar cells need sun – or don’t they? Researchers at Stanford University have now succeeded in generating electricity at night using a thermoelectric generator. A small power yield of up to two watts per square meter should be possible.

Solar cells generate electricity at night

A research team from Stanford University has succeeded in generating some electricity at night using solar cells. Although the yield is extremely low at just under 50 milliwatts per square meter, the researchers believe it can be increased through optimization up to two watts per square meter be increased. In direct sunlight, on the other hand, the panels manage around 200 watts.

In contrast to conventional cells, the team led by electrical engineer Sid Assawaworrarit relies on infrared radiation, which is emitted by the solar modules if they have been exposed to sunlight during the day. Those escaping upwards Photons cool the solar cells. The effect can be observed especially when the sky is not overcast. The energy is generated using a thermoelectric generator that takes advantage of the warmer ambient air.

A mini solar system can also provide electricity at home:

The researchers see possible areas of application above all in where you would otherwise have to rely on batteriesto store the energy collected during the day at night. In principle, people could save on these batteries, which has a positive impact on the costs. E-waste could also be avoided in this way. “If you can get up to one watt per square meter, that would be very attractive from a cost perspective,” says Assawaworrarit (source: Interesting Engineering).

Even some smartwatches now use solar energy:

Solar panels could meet electricity needs

According to calculations, the global demand for electricity could be completely covered with solar modules on roofs alone. Whole The sun sends 173,000 terawatts of energy to earth, with 30 percent of that energy being immediately sent back into space. This is due to clouds, particles in the atmosphere and reflective surfaces.