Solar panels that can generate electricity at night have been developed at Stanford

There are solar panels on a farm in Thurmont, Md.

Julio Cortez/AP

A solar cell that can generate electricity at night has been developed by a team of engineers.

The number of solar jobs and residential installations are increasing.

While standard solar panels can provide electricity during the day, this device can serve as a continuous renewable power source for both day and night.

The device can pull electricity from the small difference in temperature between the ambient air and the solar cell.

The study said that the approach can provide nighttime lighting and power in off-grid and mini-grid applications, where solar cell installations are gaining popularity.

Independent electricity networks are referred to as mini-grid applications. When a population is too small to extend the grid, these can be used.

The price of solar energy declined and became more affordable. Some companies have bought into the program, and California has even incentivized the shift to solar.

Investing in energy alternatives is important as the war in Ukraine continues, according to the president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industry Association.

In the face of global supply uncertainty, we must ramp up clean energy production and eliminate our reliance on hostile nations for our energy needs, the CEO said.