Underwater Solar Cells

Jun-22-12 Solar cells able to harness underwater sunlight could be used to power autonomous devices or sensors that monitor deep ocean environments.

Developed by researchers at the US Navel Research Laboratory, the solar cells are able to gather sunlight from as deep as 30 feet below the surface. To harness the specific blue and green wavelengths of light that filter beneath the water's surface, the team created their solar panel with gallium indium phososphide (GalnP) solar cells, which also work well in low light. As the GalnP cells were submerged more deeply, they became more efficient as they received less interference from other wavelengths of light.

In tests, the cells were able to collect 7 watts per square meter, which is enough to power a small AUV.

Image: Power density of GaInP and crystalline silicon cells, underwater, as a function of depth.

More Info about this Invention:

[DISCOVERY.COM]
[NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY]

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