The study represents experimental methods for measuring and repairing the efficiency of silicon solar cells submerged in water up to 20 cm deep under simulated sunlight conditions. | Photo Credit: Rao Gn
Scientists in Bits Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, argued that they had achieved a breakthrough in renewable energy and underwater photovoltaic application by developing a comprehensive methodology for accurate calibration of silicon solar cells in submerged conditions.
Team led by Professor Kannan Ramaswamy and Sanket Goel, along with scientists Nilofar Naaz and Shubhrajit Dutta, says that work is the basis for optimizing solar underwater systems such as autonomous vehicles, maritime sensors and underwater communication devices.
The study represents experimental methods for measuring and repairing the efficiency of silicon solar cells submerged in water up to 20 cm deep under simulated sunlight conditions. Using both xenon and LED solar simulators AM 1.5G, the team designed three new equations to more precisely evaluate underwater efficiency by charging the characteristics of a light source, water -induced absorption and scattering loss.
Instead of natural sunlight, the team measured the data of the correct efficiency of solar cells and panels in underwater conditions using lamps to calculate the lighting on the cell surface with pyranometer and measurement of photovoltaic parameters. “Our work deals with a gap in accurate evaluation of photovoltaic performance underwater using laboratory solar simulators,” said Professor Ramaswama, the chief investigator.
Research results show that under these correction protocols, underwater solar cells can be overestimated by 60% at a depth of 20 cm. By introducing correction factors, the team has shown a realistic reduction in efficiency of 45%. “The new calibration approach is a critical step for evaluating a laboratory scale of underwater solar technologies,” said Professor Calls Sanket Goel.
“The ability to precisely predict photovoltaic efficiency in submerged environments is necessary for designing sustainable, underwater systems,” said Nilofar Naaz, head researcher. The study also discusses the suitability of various photovoltaic materials for underwater and determines the phase for future progress in underwater energy, the technology of sea exploration and water sensor survey, the research team said.
Published – May 5, 2025 9:40
