Solar panels that work at night….

[Just smiffy]

All the jokes I’ve heard on here, well you can jest no more….

Engineers Create Night-Time Solar Panels That Use Energy Destined for Space

It's hoped the technology could solve a key pitfall of solar power by taking advantage of the heat difference between solar cells and the ambient temperature.

www.newsweek.com

 

[Two on Tour]

Oh yes we can, because "producing 50 milliwatts per square meter" is laughable.

 

[63720]

Surely that's a Lunar panel.

 

[Figaro]

I think it's also a crystal clear night sky in California using reflected moonlight.
Not going to work in UK

 

[Shrimp]

Hmmmmnn!!!

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[68c]

Is this not just another version of the Peltier Effect devices, using the difference in temperature of two surfaces to create electricity. So not a solar panel at all.

Edit. Also reminds me of those little Peltier Effect fans the narrow boat folk place on top of their woodburning stoves to spread the heat. I do like the idea though, as the solar panels seem to radiate heat well, to take advantage of that although I suspect the temperature difference would not last long once the sun has gone down.

 

[Raul]

It’s the Sebek effect, the reverse of Peltier. Peltier cools as you put energy into the element, and sebek produces electricity as you heat one side and cool the other. This is the element used in fan stoves. The caveat is, you need allot of temperature difference for any meaningful electricity production. For example a stove fan 3v and few milliamps amps, it takes about 150-200deg C on the hot side, and 40-60 deg on the cool side where it gets sweeped by the fan. The moment the temp difference decreases, so the fan speed. I got mine to know it very well, as soon as the fan spins on firing up, I close the primary vent on the stove, as it reached optimum temperature. This is confirmed as well by a magnetic flue thermometer that’s placed 12-14” from the stove on the flue.
Sorry to disappoint, I think those scientists are getting drunk with tap water.

 

[Tony50]

Oh yes we can, because "producing 50 milliwatts per square meter" is laughable.

just looked at what I owe E-on , made me sweat , had to switch off heating due to sweat , must be saving several KWs must do check weekly !!