Thermoelectric Materials
Thermoelectric materials are materials that can directly convert heat into electricity and vice versa through the Seebeck effects. When there is a temperature difference across a thermoelectric material we call this a temperature gradient, it generates a voltage also known as PD, in this case the Seebeck effect takes place, allowing it to be used for the generation of electricity. These materials are valuable for waste heat recovery and in my opinion would be a great way to generate electricity if incorporated into solar panels so they can generate electricity both via solar rays incoming from the sun but also take advantage of the temperature gradient both on top of the solar panel which will have a high temperature and below the solar panel which would be much cooler creating the needed temperature gradient.
Thermoelectric materials such as bismuth telluride or lead telluride and silicon germanium alloys can be used that are incorporated within the actual physical structure of the solar panels when built. With this in mind, with the electricity being generated via the 2 types of solar panels CSP and PV from incoming solar rays we can generate electricity both more sustainably and also more efficiently killing 2 birds with 1 stone. This would be a great item if it were possible for the incorporation of the thermoelectric materials within these solar panels taking advantage of how hot they get especially in regions that get direct exposure to extreme insolation such as regions near the equator where temperature rapidly increases in the day creating a good enough temperature gradient.
Xin Yu 05/07/2025