Stanford University Developed World’s First Solar Panel That Generates Power at Night

Scientists at Stanford University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of renewable energy. They have developed a new technology that allows solar panels to generate electricity even at night. This innovation, which uses a natural process called radiative cooling, could change how we use solar energy and offer new solutions for communities with unstable power supplies.

Radiative cooling is a natural process where heat from the Earth’s surface escapes into space, especially on clear nights. The researchers at Stanford University have harnessed this phenomenon by attaching special thermoelectric generators to standard solar panels. These generators capture the heat that radiates away from the Earth at night, converting it into electricity.

Although the amount of electricity generated at night is significantly smaller than during the day, it is still substantial enough to power low-energy devices such as LEDs and environmental sensors. The modified panels produce about 50 milliwatts of power per square meter at night, compared to the 200 watts per square meter generated by traditional solar panels during the day.

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One of the major advantages of this technology is its potential to make solar energy systems more reliable. In regions with frequent cloudy weather or limited sunlight, nighttime solar panels can provide a consistent power source, helping to expand the use of solar energy in areas previously considered unsuitable for traditional solar panels.

It also offers a solution to the global issue of energy poverty. Approximately 770 million people worldwide live without electricity. Nighttime solar panels could provide essential lighting and power, particularly in remote or underserved areas. This technology could be a game-changer for communities with limited access to a stable power supply.

This technology could help reduce environmental harm. By decreasing the need for…