Solar cells can cool and irrigate themselves

Researchers have developed a new method that allows solar cells to water and cool themselves. This should enable it to be used almost anywhere in the world.

Researchers from Saudi Arabia have developed a new technology to solve several problems at once. It has the potential to transform the use of solar energy in hot and dry areas. In the future, solar panels will be able to cool themselves and even extract water from the air – without consuming electricity.

The background: Conventional solar panels often overheat when exposed to intense sunlight. Therefore, it requires additional cooling systems, which in turn consume energy. However, the system the researcher uses uses gravity to collect water from the air and cool the solar panels. The special thing about it is that no additional energy is required.

Solar cells cool and irrigate themselves using a special coating

Instead, the research team used a special coating material that prevents water droplets from sticking to the surface. These drops accumulate over time due to gravity. The collected water can then be used for other purposes such as irrigation or building cooling.

The approach works because there is about six times more water in the atmosphere than in all of Earth's rivers. Various systems can collect these amounts of water from the air. However, this has previously been problematic in very dry regions such as Saudi Arabia, as engineers often needed electricity to do this. However, the new technology, which requires no electricity at all, makes it possible to obtain water in large quantities even in remote areas with little electricity.

Technology can be used sustainably and cost-effectively

In addition to the obvious environmental benefits, this technology also offers economic benefits. Since no electricity and no mechanical parts such as fans or compressors are required, operating costs are significantly reduced. Maintenance is also minimal, further reducing long-term costs.

The development could therefore play an important role in the future. The sustainable generation of electricity and the simultaneous absorption of water enable significantly more comfort – in almost every place on earth.

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