Scientists Go Public about Infrared Solar Energy

October 3, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment

Solar panels, both conventional PV and even third-generation, organic solar cells, absorb visible and, in some cases, ultra-violet light. All of these technologies are limited by shading, rainy days, and nightfall. Basically, photovoltaics, both the old and the new, collect direct sunlight. But what, researchers are asking, about indirect light?

Indirect light reflects, in the form of heat, off of buildings during the day and at night. This infrared energy is not limited to solar energy either. Energy radiating from machines and electronic devices could also be collected and recycled into usable electricity. Sound pretty radical? Well it is, and some very complex science at that. Nonetheless, scientists are becoming confident enough in the feasibility of infrared solar technology that they are going public and getting excited about it. (more…)