Perovskite solar panel underwater testing

Researchers from Yunnan University and the Southwest United Graduate School have successfully tested perovskite solar panels at a depth of 10 metres in the South China Sea. This development represents a significant advancement over previous underwater solar experiments, which were largely limited to depths of two metres or less.

As detailed in the journal ‘Joule’, the team utilized perovskite solar cells rather than standard silicon panels. Perovskites can be tuned to absorb specific wavelengths, such as the blue and green light that penetrates deeper into the ocean. In laboratory simulations, these cells converted approximately 35% of available light into electricity.

During a two-hour field test near the Weizhou Islands, the panels produced 324 milliwatt-hours of electricity at the 10-metre depth. While this output is lower than the 1,416 milliwatt-hours produced at two metres, the test confirms the practical viability of deep-water solar power. Researchers noted that the panels showed almost no performance loss after 1,160 hours of simulated immersion, suggesting a potential continuous operational lifespan of approximately five and a half years.

This technology may provide a long-term power source for underwater equipment, including ocean sensors, cameras, and communication devices, thereby reducing reliance on replaceable or rechargeable batteries.