For decades, solar power has been utilized in low-power electronics, such as calculators. However, these cells have not yet been suitable for powering more energy-intensive devices. But the revolutionary indoor solar panel technology by Ambient Photonics is breaking barriers. Their latest solar cell is ready for commercial use. It will be used in light-powered keyboards, computer mice, and remote controls.
Ambient Photonics, a US startup, has unveiled a revolutionary indoor solar panel that has the potential to eliminate billions of batteries commonly used in everyday household devices. Developed in California, Ambient Photonics indoor solar panel technology is more efficient than current technologies. Using both outdoor and indoor light, it generates 3 times more power than usual panels.
According to the company, “Batteries are dead and indoor light is the future power source for billions of connected devices. Ambient photonics cells are built for real-world, low-light applications. They use revolutionary new molecules and manufacturing processes to harness indoor and outdoor ambient light and create an endless power source.”
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Ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the company will reveal an innovative low-light photovoltaic cell. They will also unveil their first bifacial solar panel capable of harnessing solar energy from both sides simultaneously.
Co-founder and chief executive of Ambient Photonics, Bates Marshall said, “Our bifacial solar cell technology is a game-changer for all kinds of devices. We can imagine a host of connected devices, including electronic shelf labels, building sensors, and more that not only power themselves more effectively in ambient light, but can also be designed and mounted in a variety of flexible ways and perform regardless of shape or orientation.”
Ambient Photonics is set to conduct side-by-side demonstrations of its bifacial and standard DSSC solutions. The demos will show how Ambient-powered remote controls are much better than traditional amorphous silicon cells and single-sided DSSC devices. They harvest 3 times more power than amorphous silicon cells and 1.5 times more power than single-sided DSSC devices. Prepare to behold the extraordinary power and efficiency of Ambient Photonics’ innovative technology.
CEO Marshall said, “There’s no better way to appreciate the revolutionary potential of Ambient’s solar cell technology than to see it in action. We are already shipping cells to device manufacturers and soon everyone will enjoy the benefits of battery-free electronics.”
About the Product
Devices using Ambient Photonics Solar Cell technology can produce more energy by capturing light from both sides. This boosts cell efficiency and enables more powerful electronics. The front side of the cell provides 100% power, while the back side delivers at least 50% of the energy.
Ambient Photonics cells are specifically designed for low-light conditions. This feature sets them apart from other solar technologies that are costly and require extremely bright conditions. With innovative molecules and manufacturing processes, these cells effectively capture indoor and outdoor ambient light. Thus, they provide an infinite power source. In comparison to traditional solutions, Ambient Photonics cells have an impressive light harvesting efficiency that is three times better. Thus, one Ambient Photonics dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) can generate as much power as larger indoor solar cells.
Also See: What are Frameless Bifacial Solar Panels?
Manufacturers Embracing New Solar Panels
Amazon Climate Pledge Fund is one of the initial investors of the company. Electronic paper firm E Ink and Unilever Electronics have started integrating this revolutionary indoor solar panel technology by Ambient Photonics into their products.
- Chicony – Recently partnered with Ambient Photonics and their new wireless keyboard have Low-Light Indoor Bifacial Solar Cell.
- E Ink – They are collaborating with Ambient Photonics to incorporate solar cells into new electronic shelf labels for retailers. This will enhance the shopping experience.
- Universal Electronics – New ETERNA remote control platform has Ambient Photonics solar cells.
In Fall 2023, Ambient Photonics completed its first large-scale shipment of indoor low-light cells. This was carried on from its Fab 1 manufacturing facility in Scotts Valley, California.
Ambient’s Fab 1 is one of the world’s biggest factories for making solar cells in low light conditions. It’s the first of its kind in the U.S. and can make tens of millions of units per year. The factory is designed to be automated and sustainable with a special process. This enables it to create solar cells in any size and shape electronics manufacturers need.
Ambient plans to build a second smart manufacturing facility in the United States in 2025. This will help meet the increasing demand for their technology.
Source: Ambient Photonics Showcases the Future of Battery-Free Electronics at CES 2024
