Mon May 05 16:10:05 UTC 2025: ## Hyderabad Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Underwater Solar Cell Technology
**Hyderabad, India (May 5, 2025)** – Researchers at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad campus, have announced a significant advancement in renewable energy technology, developing a method to accurately measure the efficiency of silicon solar cells submerged in water. This breakthrough paves the way for more efficient underwater applications of solar power.
The team, led by Professors Kannan Ramaswamy and Sanket Goel, developed a new calibration method that corrects for light absorption and scattering caused by water. Their research, published today, revealed that previous methods overestimated the efficiency of submerged solar cells by as much as 60% at a depth of 20 centimeters. Using Xenon and LED-based solar simulators, the researchers created three new equations to account for these factors, leading to a more realistic efficiency estimate (a 45% reduction from the overestimated values).
This accurate calibration is crucial for developing self-powered underwater systems like autonomous vehicles, marine sensors, and underwater communication devices. The research also explores the suitability of various photovoltaic materials for underwater use, suggesting future possibilities for marine exploration and aquatic sensor networks. The team emphasizes the importance of this technology in creating sustainable and self-sufficient underwater technologies.
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