Underwater solar cells can operate 10 meters below the ocean’s surface

Underwater solar cells can operate 10 meters below the ocean’s surface

Scientists have taken solar cells to new depths, demonstrating that they can function 10 meters (33 feet) below the surface of the South China Sea. The study, published Sept. 11 in the journal Joule, found that solar cells could generate 324 megawatt-hours of energy—enough to charge lithium-ion batteries—when submerged for two hours and could operate continuously at a depth of 10 meters (33 feet) for about 5.5 years. The findings suggest that underwater solar cells may be able to power submerged sensors, cameras and communication systems far from land.