In a revolutionary stride towards 24/7 clean energy, Indian researchers have proposed a breakthrough system that makes solar power available even at night—a move that could redefine the future of sustainable energy in the country and beyond.
By combining molten salt thermal storage with advanced photovoltaic technologies such as night-solar panels, scientists are finding innovative ways to store and convert solar energy after sunset. This game-changing development addresses one of the biggest limitations of solar power: its dependence on daylight.
Molten salt, a proven method in solar thermal plants, can retain heat collected during the day for up to 16 hours, which is then used to generate electricity during nighttime. Meanwhile, newer technologies, including thermoradiative cells (aka night-solar panels), can capture energy emitted from Earth’s surface as it cools after sundown.
Researchers from top Indian institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and IIT Madras are actively exploring these innovations. “India receives abundant sunlight. With proper storage and conversion systems, solar power can now run even after dark,” said Dr. Meera Nandakumar, an energy systems expert.
This leap could help India meet its ambitious net-zero carbon goals by 2070, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure consistent power supply in remote regions.
