'Reverse Solar Panel' Generates Electricity at Night

Source: Slashdot

Overview

Researchers at the University of New South Wales are developing a “reverse solar panel” that generates small amounts of electricity at night by harvesting infrared heat radiated from Earth. “In the past, scientists have demonstrated that a thermoradiative diode can convert infrared radiation directly into electrical power,” the team explains. Their new design builds on this concept, aiming to create a practical device that can operate continuously—producing power during daylight like a conventional solar panel and also at night by capturing the planet’s thermal emissions.