The sun provides us with 10,000 times of energy that we consume from all other available sources on the planet earth. Despite knowing such a potential of the Sun, the scientists have yet not been able to harness solar energy to an extent that all human power needs could be taken care of.

American inventor Charles Fritts discovered the first solar cell in 1883. He provided us with a way to harness solar power as the sunlight hits the solar panel. The panels convert it into power. But when it becomes dark or cloudy, very less or no sunlight is available to hit solar panels. As a result, no or very little power is produced. However, a team from MIT and Harvard has endeavored to find a remedy for the situation.

Photoswitches are the molecules that can assume two different shapes. This was perfect for researchers to use for the desired purpose of using solar energy even when the Sun is not shining, because the molecules can absorb energy and switch from one form to another. They can remain stable in this new form for a long period of time.

"Exposing them to sunlight causes them to absorb energy and jump from one configuration to the other, which is then stable for long periods of time", said Timothy Kucharski, lead author of the paper in which the study has been reported.

A small jolt of electricity, heat or light is more than enough to switch back the molecules that are in their high energy form to their original form. The energy stored in the form of heat gets released during the process.

This new way is better for power generation but not apt for all applications, like powering a car or a computer. However, it can be successfully used for applications that require heat as they work like tiny thermal batteries. Things like heating a building, cooking or industrial processes could seek benefits of the new technology.