Chinese scientists test solar panels at 10-meter depth

Chinese scientists have successfully tested solar panels at a depth of 10 meters in the South China Sea, a significant advancement over previous tests that were limited to depths of only two meters.

Published in the journal ‘Joule’, the research details how the team developed specialized solar cells using perovskites—an alternative to silicon—to capture specific wavelengths of light. Because water absorbs and scatters much of the sun's energy, the panels were specifically designed to harness the blue and green light that can penetrate to such depths.

These submerged panels could potentially provide a continuous power source for underwater equipment, reducing the reliance on batteries. Laboratory tests suggest the technology could remain functional for several years.