US EditionWhy Can Sunlight Evaporate Water Efficiently?
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Why the sun is so good at evaporating water
Raleigh, NC (SPX) Jun 26, 2025 A new study is shedding light on why solar radiation is more effective than other forms of energy at causing water to evaporate. The key factor turns out to be the oscillating electric field inherent to sunlight itself. "It's well established that the sun is exceptionally good at causing water to evaporate - more efficient than heating water on the stove, for instance," says Saqlain Raza,
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that the oscillating electric field in sunlight can quickly separate clusters of water molecules, increasing evaporation efficiency. This mechanism is more efficient than a heating furnace. The study also found that cross-linking polymer chains in hydrogels promotes cluster formation, further accelerating evaporation.
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