Why all solar panels are secretly LEDs (and all LEDs are secretly solar panels)
Steve MouldCited 3× on HN, 2022–2024
explainer · general · evergreen · 2022–2024 on HN
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.
Cited as a neat demonstration that diodes work in both directions in semiconductor and LED discussions.
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3 comments from Hacker News
Steve Mould of Youtube fame did this: Why all solar panels are secretly LEDs (and all LEDs are secretly solar panels) - ▶ this video
> 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
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