Solar Panels That Work Underwater

Solar Panels That Work Underwater Are solar powered submarines on the horizon? Not quite, but solar panels that can produce electricity under water could soon be used for a wide variety of important aquatic applications. The scientists have determined gallium indium phosphide (GaInP) cells are well suited for underwater operation given their high efficiency in wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers (visible light) and "intrinsically low dark current", critical for high conversion efficiency in low light conditions. "The use of autonomous systems to supply situational awareness and long-term environment monitoring underwater is increasing," said Phillip Jenkins, head of the NRL's Imagers and Detectors Section. Underwater sensor systems include submarine detectors - also known as sonobuoys. The Naval Research Laboratory's research to date has determined that at a maximum depth of 9. Naval Research Laboratory, Electronics Science and Technology Division, are working on developing "high bandgap" solar cells with the ability to generate enough electricity to operate equipment such as electronic sensor systems at depths of up to 9 meters. GaInP based solar cells are more commonly used in space applications. While the use of crystalline silicon solar panels and amorphous silicon cells in aquatic environments has had some limited success, the major issues have been that not only is available solar radiation lower underwater, but the spectral content narrows. The Naval Research Laboratory is situated in southwest Washington and boasts a staff of 2,500. Solar Panels That Work Underwater Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 11/06/2012