Researchers have successfully tested solar panels designed to capture wavelengths of sunlight that can penetrate seawater, generating energy at a depth of 10 meters near the Weizhou Islands off the southern coast of China. The trials were reported on Monday by the news agency WAM, indicating that these panels have the potential to operate continuously for several years, according to laboratory tests.
A study published in the scientific journal Joule marks significant progress in underwater solar energy research. Previous studies had focused on depths of only two meters or less.
Mineral Utilized
One of the main challenges in generating solar energy underwater is that much of the sunlight is absorbed or scattered by the water. However, blue and green light can reach greater depths, prompting researchers to develop solar cells optimized for these wavelengths.
The scientists employed a mineral called perovskite, which serves as an alternative to the silicon utilized in most solar panels, as it can be tailored to absorb various wavelengths of light. During laboratory tests simulating conditions at 10 meters underwater, the cells converted approximately 35% of the received solar light into electricity.
Further tests with larger versions of the panels were conducted in the South China Sea. At a depth of 10 meters, these panels generated 324 milliwatt-hours over two hours—a modest amount that nonetheless exceeded the researchers’ expectations. Based on the tests, researchers estimate that the panels could function continuously at this depth for about five and a half years.
