Underwater solar cells show promise for remote aquatic energy

Yunnan University researchers developed perovskite solar cells that function underwater, achieving 35% light-to-electricity conversion at 10 meters depth—significantly outperforming standard silicon p

Yunnan University researchers created perovskite solar cells designed to operate underwater, achieving 35% light-to-electricity conversion efficiency at 10 meters depth during testing. This surpasses silicon solar panels’ typical 20% efficiency in similar conditions. The cells maintained 99.6% of initial efficiency after 40 days submerged in seawater under filtered light, and are estimated to last 5.5 years before reaching 80% efficiency—a standard threshold for solar cell viability. Tested in the South China Sea at 2m, 6m, and 10m depths, output dropped 25% at 10m compared to 2m, with polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride used to stabilize the cells’ structure. Published in Joule (2026), this work addresses a critical gap: generating affordable power in remote aquatic environments where traditional solar systems fail due to water exposure.

The additive improves crystal stability in seawater, enabling perovskite cells to convert light energy without rapid degradation. For communities without grid access in coastal or riverine regions, this could mean cheaper, more reliable electricity—reducing reliance on expensive diesel generators or fragile infrastructure. However, performance declines with depth due to light scattering, and the 5.5-year lifespan estimate assumes filtered light matching 10m ocean conditions. Real-world deployment would require field testing at variable depths and salinities, alongside scaling production without compromising durability. Next steps include validating performance in full oceanic conditions and optimizing the additive for long-term stability in diverse marine environments.

Source: Ars Technica