With its limitless potential and zero emissions, solar power is fast becoming a key component of cutting-edge electronics solutions, lowering the carbon footprint of the devices that are a part of our daily life.
Technological advancements in solar power are transforming the design, manufacture, and use of electronic equipment, from improving the efficiency of common consumer electronics to facilitating the installation of advanced industrial systems. These advancements are not only lessening the electronics industry’s environmental impact but also opening the door for more self-sufficient, dependable, and affordable alternatives.
In this article, we will focus on the role of solar energy in the electronics sector, highlighting some of the key innovations that are helping to bring the technology to the next level.
The Importance of Solar Energy
Before delving into the technological advancements that are helping to push solar power forward, it is important to understand the importance of solar energy in general.
In the last decade, solar power has become an increasingly important source of renewable energy, with the number of solar installations growing rapidly. According to Our World in Data, the use of photovoltaics (PV) expanded dramatically worldwide between 2000 and 2022, and is projected to continue to grow. As per International Energy Agency (IEA) ‘Renewables 2023 Analysis and forecast to 2028 forecast’, in 2028, 42% of the world’s electricity will be produced by renewable energy, of which 25% will be produced by solar and wind power.
“Solar power is going to be essential to meeting growing energy demands while staving off climate change.”
Ramez Naam, American technologist and fiction writer
These are promising projections, and it is clear that solar power will play an increasingly important role in a more sustainable future. Therefore, here are some of the key solar-powered developments that are changing the electronics industry.
6 Recent Innovations and Technologies in Solar Powered Electronics
The creation of perovskite solar cells is one of the most significant developments in solar technology. These cells are not only more cost-effective to create and offer greater application flexibility than conventional silicon-based cells, but they also promise much higher efficiency. A new standard for solar power efficiency has been set by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), who have just reached a 25% efficiency rate in perovskite cells.
Furthermore, the developments of transparent solar panels used on windows and screens and flexible solar panels have created new opportunities for incorporating solar power into common electronics. Wearable technology, like fitness trackers and smartwatches, can be fueled by sunlight by seamlessly integrating these panels into their designs. Read on to see the most common applications of solar technology in electronics.
1. Solar-Powered Consumer Electronics
Solar power is gaining popularity in the consumer electronics industry and providing sustainable alternatives for conventional charging methods. One such example is the solar-powered charger, which uses solar panels to recharge tablets, cellphones, and other portable electronics. These chargers are especially useful for outdoor activities and in areas with inconsistent or scarce electricity.
Similarly, wearables that run on the energy from the Sun—such as fitness trackers, watches, and even some kinds of clothing—integrate tiny solar panels to keep their batteries charged or prolong their lifespan, offering both sustainability and convenience. An example of solar-powered clothing is the incorporation of the Sun’s energy into textiles. Researchers at Nottingham Trent University have developed embedding miniature solar cells into textiles, allowing them to charge smartwatch or smartphone batteries.
Furthermore, solar wireless keyboards and other peripherals—like mice—are made with solar cells that use ambient light to power their devices. This eliminates the need for batteries and improves the performance of common electronic accessories.
2. Solar-Powered Transportation
Although solar-powered vehicles are becoming increasingly popular they are not yet widely used. This covers small automobiles, boats, buses, and innovative solar-powered trains, like the one in California (see video below) all of which use solar panels to power onboard electronics or boost battery power.
Furthermore, parking spaces, shopping centres, motorways, and residential areas are among the public spaces where solar-powered EV charging stations are being installed at an increasing rate. By using solar energy to create electricity for electric vehicle charging, these stations lessen dependency on grid power and encourage the use of clean energy. In addition, standalone solar chargers are made to function off the grid by storing solar energy in batteries, which guarantees continuous charging even during the night or on cloudy days.
3. Solar Power in Remote Monitoring and Communication Devices
In the field of remote monitoring and communication, solar panel technology is proving invaluable. Solar-powered sensors or solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are widely used in agriculture (agrivoltaics), environmental monitoring, and infrastructure maintenance, especially in areas lacking easy access to power sources or where grid power is not available. Emergency radios and communication devices also benefit from solar energy, ensuring they remain functional during power outages or in remote locations.
Additionally, solar power is essential for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which require constant power. This sustainable energy solution is particularly effective for powering IoT devices in smart city applications and remote monitoring systems, providing a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional power sources.
4. Solar Outdoor and Recreational Equipment
In order to provide a dependable energy supply in isolated locations, portable solar panels are widely employed in camping equipment to power lamps, GPS units, and other small electronics. For example, Garmin, a provider of GPS devices, has developed a solar GPS handheld navigator with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Find out more in the video below.
Furthermore, outdoor enthusiasts are increasingly choosing solar-powered portable speakers. With these speakers, you may enjoy music and entertainment outside without the use of disposable batteries or external power sources. It’s a greener option.
5. Solar Electricity
Solar energy is a key component in home and building solutions that improve sustainability and energy efficiency. An inventive and more commonly implemented option are solar window chargers, which attach to windows to capture sunlight and immediately power small electronics or charge smartphones. Fluke provides a variety of solar-powered power tools and equipment, including irradiance metres, digital multimeters, and other tools. Find out what are the necessary instruments in solar energy systems in the video below.
Another noteworthy development in smart home technology is the integration of solar energy systems, which use solar electricity to power lighting, security systems, and other networked household appliances. These systems encourage the use of renewable energy sources, lessen dependency on the grid for electricity, and create a more sustainable and independent living environment.
6. Solar-Powered Water Purification Systems
Solar power can be useful in purifying the water. Such systems use solar energy to power water purification processes, such as distillation or filtration. They are especially helpful in isolated locations and disaster-affected communities with limited access to clean water. Additionally, some designs have movable solar panels that are simple to put up and operate in a variety of environments.
Challenges in Implementing Solar Technology in Electronics
Despite these innovations, integrating solar technology into electronics is not without challenges. The main hurdles include aesthetic concerns, space constraints, and the need for high efficiency in low-light conditions. Innovators are tackling these issues through the development of miniaturisation of electronics, miniaturised solar panels and dual power systems that combine solar cells with traditional batteries to ensure consistent power supply.
Solar-powered Future of Electronics
The most recent advancements in solar-powered electronics, like solar-powered vehicles, flexible solar textiles, and perovskite solar cells, are revolutionising the market by improving performance and having a smaller environmental effect. Despite enduring obstacles including high initial costs and efficiency problems, legislators, industry support, and ongoing advances are propelling the adoption of solar technology. Despite these challenges, solar-powered devices have a promising future. Solar power will become more accessible as long as funding and innovation are sustained, strengthening the environmentally friendly electronics industry.
