Submerged power generation using mono-crystalline silicon solar panel - possibility of electric power generation under seawater

摘要

In recent years, photovoltaic power generation has spread around world as the performance of solar panels has improved. However, small islands such as Japan and Singapore does not have enough land space to install solar panels. On the other hand, they have enough install space at their exclusive economic sea zone. Recent efforts shows deployment of solar panel in water bodies provides increased cooling which in turn increases the PV cell's power generation. In this paper, the authors have investigated the possibility of solar power generation under seawater. Preliminary experiments of the present study were conducted using a single crystal silicon solar panel under incident light in the room. Results shows: 1) The power generation efficiency does not decrease until the water depth reaches 200mm. 2) The power generation efficiency is greatly influenced by the water temperature. The lower the water temperature results in increased power generation efficiency. 3) Electric power generation efficiency is not affected by salinity up to 5wt.%.