Advancements in solar cell technology are allowing for the collection of energy from indoor and low-light conditions, moving beyond the need for outdoor solar panels.
A California-based company called Ambient Photonics has developed low-cost dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that can operate optimally in areas with minimal direct sunlight, such as indoor lighting conditions.
Another innovation is bifacial solar cells that can gather energy from both the front and back of the cell, enhancing energy production by 3 times compared to common indoor amorphous silicon cells.
The use of these low-light solar cells can eliminate the need for disposable or rechargeable batteries in many devices, reducing e-waste and the environmental costs of battery production and disposal.
Incorporating these solar cells into more devices, from remote controls to IoT gadgets, can make electronics more sustainable and allow for more intelligent energy usage in homes and businesses.
The article suggests that this technology is ushering in a new era of greener, battery-free electronics, with Ambient Photonics aiming to expand its manufacturing capabilities by 2025.
Source: ECO News
