Why all solar panels are secretly LEDs (and all LEDs are secretly solar panels)
Why Hacker News recommends it
Cited as a neat demonstration that diodes work in both directions in semiconductor and LED discussions.
What it is
Steve Mould shows that LEDs and solar panels are both diodes made from semiconductors, so a solar panel can emit light and an LED can generate electricity. He demonstrates a small solar panel lighting up.
Recommended by 0 HN commenters across 0 different months, 2022 to 2024.
What Hacker News said
Cites magicalhippo · 2022-03 · on “Semiconductors are more than just processors and GPUs”
Steve Mould had a video[1] about this a couple of years ago where he shows a small solar panel lighting up. [1]: [this video]
Cites itishappy · 2024-06 · on “Europe's solar power surge hits prices, exposing storage needs”
> You can't make a sink out of it in any way. Sure you can, just drive 'em at a higher reverse voltage and they'll emit IR light instead. [this video]
Cites hawski · 2024-11 · on “Phased Array Microphone (2023)”
Steve Mould of Youtube fame did this: Why all solar panels are secretly LEDs (and all LEDs are secretly solar panels) - [this video]