'Sweet spot' helps solar device store more energy, thrive in heat

A recent study from Loughborough University reveals that certain emerging solar technologies, specifically photoelectrochemical (PEC) flow cells, perform better at elevated temperatures, challenging the conventional understanding that heat degrades solar device efficiency. Unlike traditional silicon-based photovoltaic panels, which lose 0.3% to 0.5% of their power output per degree Celsius above 25°C due to increased electrical resistance, PEC flow cells benefit from heat. The study found an optimal operating temperature around 45°C (113°F), where the internal electrochemical reactions are accelerated by the heat, enhancing ion movement and conductivity in the liquid electrolyte. This reduces internal resistance and enables faster, more efficient energy storage within the device. This discovery has significant implications for the design and cost of solar-plus-storage systems. Engineers can now develop integrated solar devices that intentionally operate in hotter conditions, eliminating the need for costly and complex active cooling systems such as fans or fluid circulation. By harnessing heat rather than combating it, these systems could