Stanford University has unveiled a revolutionary technology that enables solar panels to generate electricity not just during the day but also at night.
This innovation leverages a process called radiative cooling, which reflects heat into space, creating a temperature difference that can be harnessed to produce electricity.
Radiative cooling technology emits energy from the Earth into space, allowing thermoelectric generators to convert the heat difference between an object and its surrounding atmosphere into electrical power.
In initial experiments, this system was connected to regular commercial solar panels, successfully generating about 50 milliwatts per square meter of electricity—far less than the 100 watts typically produced during the day but a promising start.
While the current output is limited, experts are optimistic about the potential of this technology.
With further research and development, these advanced solar panels could soon provide continuous electricity, making them an ideal solution for homes in areas with limited sunlight hours.
This breakthrough not only addresses a long-standing challenge of solar energy but also pushes the boundaries of human innovation.
As the famous poet Allama Iqbal once said, “What I see, the lips cannot express,” reflecting the awe-inspiring potential of human imagination and technological progress.
Stanford’s radiative cooling solar panels represent a significant step toward a sustainable future, bringing us closer to a world where solar power is available around the clock.
