Chinese researchers demonstrate underwater solar cells at 10-meter depth

Researchers at Yunnan University and Southwest United Graduate School have demonstrated functional underwater solar cells operating at 10 meters depth in the South China Sea, per Interesting Engineering. The wide-bandgap cells, optimized for blue-to-orange light, generated 324 mWh in two hours and retained 96% efficiency after 300 days storage, offering a potential power source for remote marine sensors.

Bottom line — The cells achieved an estimated continuous operational lifespan of roughly 5.5 years, per the study published in Joule.

Go deeper (4)

• Previous attempts at underwater solar cells stalled at depths under 2 meters, according to study author Wen-Hua Zhang.
• Standard silicon cells lose most efficiency underwater; the team designed cells to capture wavelengths that penetrate ocean water best, the article explains.
• The prototype cells showed almost zero degradation over 1,160 hours at a simulated depth of 10 meters off the Weizhou Islands in the South China Sea.
• The team plans to test how far solar technology can go deeper and lay groundwork for standardized testing protocols for underwater photovoltaics, Zhang said.

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