Scientists turned to a red onion to improve solar cells — and it could make solar power more sustainable

A photo of a red onion cut in half on a yellow background.

Red onion dye could be the missing ingredient required to bolster ultraviolet (UV) protection for solar cells, scientists say.

Solar cells are typically coated with a petroleum-based film to protect them from UV-induced degradation. These films include oil-based materials such as polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).