Is it possible to harness solar energy without the use of solar cells? A recent discovery on the magnetic effect of light indicates that this may someday be a reality.
Scientists have long known that magnetism is a component of light, however this magnetism has largely been dismissed as being too weak to provide much use. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that light, when passing through a non-conductive material like glass, has magnetic effects that are about 100 million times stronger than previously believed. This magnetic effect is theoretically strong enough to generate power without the need for silicon solar cells.
Solar Energy Through Glass?
When light passes through certain materials the light’s magnetic field bends the electrons into a C-shape. This charge generates both an electric and magnetic dipole. With a large enough insulator it is theoretically possible to generate enough voltage to use as a power source.
Of course there is a big drawback to this process. It requires very intense light — millions of times stronger than what is produced through normal sunlight. Even so, the Michigan research team, lead by professor Stephen Rand, is not discouraged. They are planing additional studies using intensified sunlight, much like what is used to produce concentrated solar power. By using glass or clear ceramic lenses to focus the light it may eventually be possible to reach the intensity level necessary to make magnetic solar energy an economically viable option.
Don’t hold your breath if you’re waiting for a line of efficient glass solar “cells” to hit the market. Still, it’s interesting research that we’ll hopefully be hearing more about in the near future.
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