The power of the new photocell is enough to ensure the operation of night lighting devices, as well as power sensors, eliminating the need for batteries.

Thanks to research carried out by Stanford University, a group of experts has found a way to modify the design of ordinary solar cells so that they can also generate electricity at night.

Power generation at night with a density of 50 mW/m² made possible by radiative cooling of the photovoltaic cell.

The aim of the research was to demonstrate that semiconductors can be used to change the function of silicon solar panels so that they can provide power at night, not just during the day. For this, a thermoelectric generator was used, which has a system capable of converting temperature changes into electricity. It functioned as an intermediary between the solar panels and the air, generating an electric current. During the tests, the researchers found that the thermoelectric generator produces only 1% of the current generated by a conventional solar cell during daylight hours, while at night this figure increases to 40%.

Due to the long service life of thermoelectric generators, the researchers proposed configuration can have lower long-term maintenance costs compared to battery storage. There is no doubt that the results of the research are promising, but the scientists believe that the system is not yet ready for mass production.

The demonstrated power density of the new photovoltaic cell can be used in the operation of night-lighting devices, and can also power sensors , eliminating the need for batteries.