Transparent Solar Panels in the Works for Media Players: Energy Products Articles: Eco20/20

Transparent Solar Panels in the Works for Media Players

With lithium-ion batteries able to supply enough power for more than an entire day of audio playback, some critics suggest solar charging for media players could only be a 'niche' market item, appealing solely to eco-fanatics. But these critics aren't looking at the whole picture.

Solar Advantage

It is true that charging a device from the charging-plug of a gas-burning car consumes spare energy that would otherwise go to waste, and a habit of on-the-go charging won't noticeably alter the heavy environmental footprint of a gas-guzzler. So a lot of people might believe critics who say there's no use for a solar alternative here, since it won't improve the environmental impact of an everyday, average, person. But...

* There are people who don't always remember to plug-in devices while driving.

o If you routinely forget - only to arrive at your destination and find there's no wall-charger handy when your charge is ominously low - imagine avoiding the nervous sensation that comes from having to abandon a device to the insecure solitude of an unattended vehicle. If you love your devices like they were children - it's ok to admit it - you might crave the option of bringing the device along with you and gently setting it onto a cozy nearby windowsill. You might even take time for a stroll, and soak up a few rays yourself for a change.

* There are people who walk, bus or bike to school or work.

o Yes, technically that fits the niche. Ecologically conscientious people often walk, bus, or bike. But there are plenty of people, especially young folks, who walk, bike or bus who are not members of the eco-crowd. There are also plenty of those same folks who make a habit of coming home late at night, dropping everything on the floor and falling into bed, only to wake late the next morning with the realization they've failed to plug-in a precious device. A solar charger might look pretty good to that crowd.

Solar for Media Players

The newest up-and-coming for media players is the concept of transparent solar cells. If these gems are properly introduced and not slap-dashed into the market with careless consideration, it's hard to imagine they could fail to appeal to a wide customer base.

* Cutting Edge

o Apple has recently registered a new patent for using transparent solar technology to power their media players. The patent is for solar cell panels that would be made from a transparent or semi-transparent material and would cover sections of the casing on portable devices. The technology would include a chain-reaction technique where, if a few of the solar cells weren't getting direct light, the device would still maintain a constant preset voltage as long as most of the cells were in service. The system would work with a regular battery, so even in darkness the media players would still be able to function.

o A designer in Tansania has developed an extremely slender and small music player that uses transparent solar panels in conjunction with an AMOLED screen and nanotechnology. Gorilla glass - a lightweight, damage-resistant glass - makes his solar-powered MP4 Player resistant to scratches.

* Despite the indifferent sniffs of critics, don't be surprised to see transparent solar cell technology hit it big. But, until the technology works up to flooding the market, eager customers should continue to rely on spare wall chargers, portable charger units, charging mats, or solar gear bags.