Solar panels have long been a great way to make clean energy. But they had a big limitation – they only worked when the sun was out. That’s changing now.
A team of scientists just made a groundbreaking discovery. They created new solar panels that can make electricity at night. This is a game-changer for homes and factories. It’s a big step forward for renewable energy.
Imagine having the benefits of sunlight even when it’s dark. Experts at the University of New South Wales in Australia made this possible.
These new panels work by using heat and radiation to make energy at night. During the day, they store energy from the sun like regular solar panels. At night, they release this energy as infrared radiation, which heats up the system to make more electricity.
This breakthrough means people can save more money on their electricity bills. It’s also better for the environment because it reduces carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
However, there’s a catch. The energy made at night is much weaker than during the day – up to 100 times less. This means these new panels aren’t ready for wide use yet.
For now, scientists think they could be used in small objects like sensors or smartwatches. They could also be used in space missions one day.
The big question is when these panels will be ready for commercial use. Scientists are still working on the design, and there’s no release date yet.
This is a big step forward for solar panel technology. It could change the way we think about renewable energy and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Even if it takes time, this invention could make a big difference in the future.