One of the biggest problems with using solar panels as a complete energy source is that you can’t rely on the sun to shine every day. But a breakthrough in May 2022 discovered a way of using them in the night, and during the rain.
Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) machines permit solar power to be used day and night. CST structures use mirrors to focus sunlight onto the targeted area, creating high temperatures. The heat is captured and kept in a material, either a liquid or solid, for use when needed.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has found a semiconductor tool called a thermoradiative diode, composed of materials you find in night-vision goggles. This was used to create solar power from the release of infrared light.
Rain powered solar panels have been a great idea for ages, but nobody had been able to find a way to do it, until now. Anyone who has been caught in a downpour can attest to the impact of heavy rain. The Soochow team, a group of people from Soochow University, has taken the friction generated by raindrops landing on and running off solar panels and used this to create electricity. As well as boosting power output on rainy days, the friction-powered panels can also produce electricity at night if it rains. The scientists claim their solar panels offer “an efficient approach to collect energy from the environment in different weather conditions.”
Even with advancing technology, having protection measures for your solar panels is a good way to keep them from breaking. Solar panels undergo careful testing to withstand high temperatures, cold conditions, wind, and hail.
While solar panels undergo careful testing to withstand high temperatures, cold conditions, wind, and hail taking some protective measures can further ensure their longevity, like regular maintenance–regular inspections and cleaning can help to stop dirt from preventing full energy. Professional installation–ensuring your panels are installed by an authorised professional is critical. They know how to secure the panels correctly, reducing risk of damage from extreme weather. Insurance–It’s recommended to include your solar panels in your homeowner’s insurance policy. This can provide financial protection if your panels are damaged by extreme weather, and even monitoring systems that can identify any potential issues early, which means that you can fix or replace your panels before any more harm is done.
Solar advancing technology could possibly provide energy to people all over the world because they are quite withstand able and can provide energy through heat, cold, rain, clouds, night and sun.