Can solar power work underwater? Scientists test solar panels 10 metres beneath the sea

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Published: 2026-09-27T07:38:50.331Z • Permanent link

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Oxford have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of renewable energy, testing the feasibility of solar power underwater. Led by Dr. Kelsey Nickel, a renowned expert in perovskite solar cells, the team successfully operated perovskite-based solar panels for five and a half years beneath the surface of the ocean, off the coast of California. The experiment, which began in 2019, aimed to investigate the potential of harnessing solar energy in the world's oceans, where sunlight can still penetrate, even at great depths. The researchers chose a location with minimal marine life and extreme conditions to ensure the panels' longevity and efficiency.

The team's findings have significant implications for the global energy landscape, particularly in the context of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the world's oceans covering over 70% of the planet, solar power could potentially provide a substantial portion of the energy required to meet the SDGs. The UCLA-Oxford collaboration has already caught the attention of prominent energy companies, such as SunPower and First Solar, which are reportedly interested in investing in the technology. Dr. Nickel's team has also filed a patent application for the underwater solar panel system, paving the way for potential commercialization.

The researchers' innovative approach has garnered international attention, with media outlets such as CNN and BBC News covering the story. The experiment's success has sparked debate among experts about the potential for large-scale underwater solar farms, which could provide a new source of renewable energy. Dr. Nickel and her team are now working on scaling up the technology, with plans to deploy the underwater solar panels in various locations around the world. The UCLA-Oxford collaboration has set a new benchmark for the field, and its findings are expected to inspire further research and development in the years to come.

The breakthrough in underwater solar power has far-reaching implications for the energy sector, with significant impacts on companies and research communities. For example, the potential for large-scale underwater solar farms could disrupt the traditional offshore wind industry, which has been a major driver of innovation in renewable energy. Companies like Ørsted and Siemens Gamesa, which have invested heavily in offshore wind, may need to adapt to the new technology. On the other hand, the emergence of underwater solar power could create new business opportunities for companies like Subsea Power, a UK-based startup that has already developed a subsea energy harvesting system.

The research community is also abuzz with excitement, as the discovery of underwater solar power challenges traditional assumptions about the limitations of renewable energy. The UCLA-Oxford collaboration has already inspired a new wave of research into perovskite solar cells, with scientists exploring ways to improve their efficiency and durability. The discovery has also sparked interest in the scientific community, with experts debating the potential for underwater solar power to contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change. As the technology continues to evolve, researchers and companies will need to navigate the complex regulatory landscape to ensure the safe and efficient deployment of underwater solar power systems.

The emergence of underwater solar power is part of a broader trend in the renewable energy sector, which has seen significant advancements in recent years. The cost of solar panels has plummeted, making them more competitive with fossil fuels. The development of new energy storage technologies, such as batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, has also improved the efficiency of renewable energy systems. In contrast, the offshore wind industry has faced challenges in recent years, including high upfront costs and environmental concerns. The discovery of underwater solar power could provide a new solution to these challenges, offering a more efficient and cost-effective way to harness renewable energy.