Daytime solar power generation

Does daytime radiative cooling work with solar cells?

The daytime radiative cooling technique effectively dissipates heat by emitting thermal radiation while reflecting a majority of sunlight. However, its compatibility with solar cells for efficient energy conversion has posed challenges due to the need to reflect sunlight.

Can tandem daytime radiative cooling and solar power generation improve device performance?

Simulation results demonstrate that increasing the heat transfer efficiency of cooling and reducing the absorptivity in the sunlight band of the emitter can further enhance device performance. This outcome presents a novel approach toward enhancing the practical implementation of tandem daytime radiative cooling and solar power generation.

Can subambient daytime radiative cooling and photovoltaic power generation be achieved simultaneously?

Our experiment for the first time shows that subambient daytime radiative cooling and photovoltaic power generation can be achieved simultaneously and from the same area. Cooling power, another important figure of merit for quantifying the performance of radiative cooling, was also carefully measured.

Do solar cells produce photovoltaic electricity at night?

Solar cells were used to achieve nighttime radiative cooling while producing photovoltaic electricity during daytime. 15,17 However, at one single time (summer or winter, 32 nocturnal or diurnal 15,17), only radiative cooling or solar energy harvesting functions.