# Solar panels that work 10 meters underwater

> Chinese scientists have created underwater solar panels using perovskite technology that could power autonomous marine devices for years.
- Title: Solar panels that work 10 meters underwater · TechRadar
- Summary: Chinese scientists have created underwater solar panels using perovskite technology that could power autonomous marine devices for years. Underwater solar…
- Keywords: underwater solar panels, perovskite technology, yunnan university, renewable energy, marine devices, autonomous underwater systems, solar cells, lead halide perovskite, south china sea, underwater power systems, technology, Solar
- Source: TechRadar — https://techradar.com/home/energy-saving/scientists-test-underwater-solar-panels-that-work-10-meters-beneath-the-waves-breakthrough-perovskite-tech-could-support-self-powered-marine-drones
- Published: 2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: underwater solar panels, perovskite technology, yunnan university, renewable energy, marine devices, autonomous underwater systems, solar cells, lead halide perovskite, south china sea, underwater power systems, technology
## Solar panels work 10 meters deep
Chinese scientists from Yunnan University developed solar panels that function at depths up to 10 meters underwater, a major breakthrough for powering submerged equipment.
## Perovskite material makes it possible
The panels use lead halide perovskite with an added polymer called polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride to enhance effectiveness and durability underwater.
## Energy output decreases with depth
At 2 meters depth, panels captured 1,416 mWh. This dropped to 752 mWh at 6 meters and 324 mWh at 10 meters, with lab tests showing 35% power conversion efficiency.
## Charges batteries in just two hours
Solar cells placed 10 meters below the surface in the South China Sea collected enough energy to fully charge lithium-ion batteries in two hours.
## Each panel lasts five and a half years
Researchers expect each underwater solar cell device to remain functional for approximately five and a half years before needing replacement.
## Powers sensors and underwater devices
The panels could power underwater sensors, cameras, communications systems, and autonomous devices that need to operate for extended periods without human intervention.
## Biofouling could require maintenance
A remaining challenge is biofouling, where algae and organisms accumulate on panels and reduce efficiency, potentially requiring regular underwater cleaning to maintain performance.
## Opens door to marine energy systems
This breakthrough paves the way for self-sustained marine energy systems and autonomous underwater devices, greatly expanding the scope of underwater technology applications.

> This work paves the way for the practical deployment of perovskite photovoltaics in underwater environments, offering a promising route toward self-sustained marine energy systems and autonomous underwater devices.
## Key takeaway

Underwater solar panels can now function at depths up to 10 meters, opening new possibilities for powering long-term underwater equipment without human intervention.