Scientists have created a new material that helps solar panels stay cool and work better—even under harsh sunlight.
This breakthrough could make solar energy cheaper and more reliable around the world.
The new cooling material was developed by a team of researchers led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
It’s a thin, flexible film made from a mix of sodium polyacrylate—a low-cost, absorbent polymer—and lithium chloride, a compound that attracts moisture.
The researchers tested this composite by sticking it onto solar panels and letting it go to work.
During the night, the material pulls in moisture from the air.
Then, when the sun comes up, it releases that moisture, creating a cooling effect. This process doesn’t need any electricity, fans, or pumps—it’s completely passive.
That’s a big deal, because traditional cooling systems for solar panels use extra power, which can reduce overall energy efficiency.
When tested in the hot Saudi desert for several weeks, the material kept solar panels 9.4 degrees Celsius cooler than normal panels.
This helped the panels produce over 12% more power and extended their lifespan by more than 200%. On top of that, the cost to produce electricity dropped by nearly 20%.
One of the scientists behind the study, Professor Qiaoqiang Gan from KAUST, explained that the team focuses on cooling materials that are low-cost and easy to use. “These materials are thin and can be added to systems like greenhouses or solar panels without harming performance,” he said.
The cooling material was also tested in the U.S. in much cooler, rainy environments to see if it still worked outside of desert conditions. It passed those tests as well, proving that it’s useful in many types of weather and climate.
The solar panels used in the study were provided by Professor Stefaan De Wolf, another KAUST researcher known for building high-efficiency solar cells.
De Wolf said this project shows how different areas of research can come together to solve real-world problems. By combining world-class solar cell designs with smart cooling technology, the team hopes to help expand clean energy solutions across the globe.
With this new cooling film, solar panels may soon become not only more powerful but also far more durable and cost-effective—making solar energy even more appealing for homes, businesses, and large-scale energy projects.
