Nighttime solar energy?
- Yes, this is real research.
A recent CNN article, Night-time solar energy could one day power satellites, presents an idea that could change the way we think about energy.
We’re used to thinking that solar panels only work when there’s sunlight. But scientists are now exploring innovative semiconductor devices that can convert the infrared heat that the Earth continues to radiate into space into electricity at night.
These technologies are sometimes called
- “reverse” or thermoradiative diodes
- operate using infrared radiation
- to generate electricity without sunlight
Currently, prototypes produce a small amount of energy compared to traditional solar panels.
But the important thing is that the technology proves its feasibility.
In the future, these systems could help satellites power themselves during their orbital cycles, reducing their reliance on batteries alone.
Thus, solar energy can work not only during the day, but also at night.
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