Scientists at the University of California have presented a model of an anti-solar panel. The development is described in the journal ACS Photonics - it is assumed that the device will have a principle of operation opposite to solar panels. Let's try to figure out why they create anti-solar panels and what they are.


What is the device

Scientists have developed a prototype of an installation where the Earth will be used as a heat source and the night sky as a radiator. The panel consists of interconnected photocells and metal frames. The main elements of the device:


  • battery for generating energy;
  • the controller ensures the distribution of energy flows;
  • converter - direct current is converted to alternating current;
  • a stabilizer to maintain a constant voltage.

Tests have shown that the new installation is capable of producing 25% of the energy (compared to a solar panel). The device captures energy that moves from the Earth into space. One of the authors of the development, Jeremy Mundy, explained that the anti-solar panel emits infrared radiation. This is different from a solar cell, where photons are absorbed from a heat source.


Principle of operation

At night, after a sunny day, the unit will be warmer than the environment. Energy is generated through the release of heat. EMF results from the fact that energy with a certain wavelength, electric current and voltage move in the opposite direction. The system can work smoothly around the clock.



Scientists are prototyping a new model and conducting research to improve efficiency. The anti-solar panel starts to work when the ambient temperature drops below the heating point. For this reason, the efficiency of the installation will improve if it is protected from sunlight during the day. The design can be made cheaper by using converting devices.


The simultaneous use of solar and night batteries will help to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity to private houses, farms, industrial enterprises. The advantages of the panels are autonomy and independence from the serviceability of utilities.

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