Solar Cells That Work Without Sunlight Open Way For Self-Powered Devices – Forbes

Scandinavian Solar Company Harnesses Indoor Light for Sustainable Power

In a previous article, it was highlighted that the Nordic region may not be the obvious choice for starting a solar business. However, the challenges faced in this region have actually led to the development of a thriving solar sector. Surprisingly, there is another location that is even less suited for solar power – indoors. Nevertheless, a Scandinavian solar company, Exeger, has successfully created products that generate solar power without sunlight.

Power without batteries

Exeger, based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializes in producing solar cells that can convert any type of light, including indoor lighting, into electrical power. This innovation has significant implications for reducing the reliance on disposable batteries in various products. Research suggests that without intervention, approximately 78 million batteries used to power connected devices will be discarded daily by 2025.

Integration into everyday life

Although solar power is commonly associated with rooftop panels and large-scale solar farms, Exeger has found numerous applications for integrating solar cells into everyday products. The company aims to eliminate or minimize the need for disposable batteries. Exeger’s solar cells, sold under the brand name Powerfoyle, are highly efficient and offer a range of design options due to their superior performance compared to other photovoltaic cells.

The bendable cells can be found in various products, including wireless earbuds, headphones, speakers, TV remote controls, wireless keyboards and mice, and even solar-powered hearing aids. Exeger has also partnered with 3M, a global conglomerate, to produce self-powered ear protectors that allow users to make calls without removing their headsets. Other products integrated with Powerfoyle include Philips headphones and remote controls, as well as Urbanista portable speakers and audio products.

Driving the internet of things

Exeger’s solar cells, made using screen printing techniques, can power the millions of sensors used in the internet of things (IoT). These sensors measure various parameters such as air quality, temperature, movement, and light. By eliminating the need for batteries, the sensors remain constantly powered, ensuring uninterrupted data collection even during power outages. Additionally, the absence of battery maintenance simplifies sensor management in remote and hard-to-access locations. Exeger’s technology has been integrated into Vusion’s smart digital labels for supermarkets and Kapsch TrafficCom’s transponders used for automatic road toll payments. The use of Powerfoyle cells has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of these devices by up to 50% and extend their lifespan.

Safer workers

Aside from its applications in consumer electronics, Powerfoyle also offers new possibilities in compliance and safety. For example, Exeger envisions a scenario where workers cannot start machinery or vehicles unless they are wearing ear protectors integrated with the solar cells. This technology can be particularly useful in industries such as construction, airports, and mines, where safety is a major concern.

Exeger’s innovative approach has attracted investments from notable entities such as Softbank and the European Investment Bank. The company has recently expanded its production capacity with the opening of a new factory, enabling it to produce up to 2.5 million square meters of Powerfoyle per year. With its seamless integration and potential for widespread adoption, Exeger’s products have the ability to provide sustainable power without relying on sunlight.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article discusses the use of solar cells that can transform any kind of light into electrical power, which aligns with SDG 7’s goal of promoting affordable and clean energy. The integration of solar cells into various products also relates to SDG 9’s focus on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Additionally, the article mentions the aim to reduce the need for disposable batteries, which supports SDG 12’s objective of responsible consumption and production.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

The article’s content suggests a focus on increasing the share of renewable energy by integrating solar cells into various products, which aligns with SDG 7.2. The use of solar cells to reduce the need for disposable batteries also supports SDG 9.4’s target of upgrading infrastructure and making it more sustainable. Additionally, the aim to eliminate or reduce battery waste relates to SDG 12.2’s target of achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Number of products integrated with solar cells to reduce or eliminate the need for batteries
• Reduction in the number of disposable batteries used in products

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but progress towards the identified targets can be measured by tracking the percentage increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Additionally, the number of products integrated with solar cells and the reduction in the use of disposable batteries can serve as indicators of progress towards sustainable infrastructure and responsible consumption.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: forbes.com