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Physics predicts at most 33% of the energy hitting a solar panel can be converted into electricity. But, simulations at University of Groningen in the Netherlands revealed a way to break this barrier (techxplore.com)
submitted 1 month ago* by to c/positive_tech_and_science@lemmy.world
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Physics predicts that no more than 33% of the solar energy that falls on a solar panel can be converted into electricity. However, experiments and simulations by scientists at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands revealed a way to harvest extra energy from "hot electrons," which could break this barrier.

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[–] [S] 1 point 1 month ago (2 children)

Yea like I bought a couple thermo electric generators to see if I could augment my panels during the heat of summer.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    Don't those need temperature differential to operate? What's cooling energy consumption like? Or am I tired...

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 month ago*

    Yes. I don't know much. Got some that can handle up 60C differential and gonna have fun learning. Make a fire powered battery charger or something.

    This guy has one that generates .5 watts at 20C temp differential. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOUz4l5Svyo so not viable for primary power source.

    I'm more interested in the concept of converting heat to electricity from an efficiency standpoint. Especially if it's heat we don't want.

    Like could rooftop solar panels with these underneath have a net cooling benefit without powering AC?

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