United Kingdom, Sept. 17 -- Scientists are exploring a new way to keep underwater technology running for longer, after researchers demonstrated that solar panels can generate usable power beneath the waves.

A team from Yunnan University in China has developed solar cells capable of collecting energy at depths of up to 10 metres, potentially opening the door to more reliable power sources for underwater sensors, cameras and communication equipment.

The research, published in the scientific journal Joule, found that solar cells deployed in the South China Sea were able to generate enough electricity to charge lithium-ion batteries within two hours.

The underwater panels were made using lead halide perovskite, a material that has gained a...