Apple’s Digital Marketing Manager Hinted At the Possibility Of Integrating Solar Panels Into the Screens of iOS Devices

Physical dimensions of smartphone screens keep getting bigger, increasing the amount of consumed energy. The issue can be resolved by means of a new development, which includes integration of solar panels directly into the screens of mobile devices.

A number of researchers are already carrying out experiments on embedding solar panels into touchscreens or incorporating them under the screens of gadgets. The scientists from Michigan State University have developed a new kind of solar concentrator. Since the materials do not absorb or emit the light in the visible spectrum, they seem transparent to the human eye. As a result, solar batteries can be easily added as a separate layer to the protective panel of a mobile device or integrated directly into the screen.

The development took the fancy. Musa Tariq, Apple‘s digital marketing manager, wrote on his Twitter that the new technology changed the state of things crucially. The post about the project by one of Apple’s managers suggests that it will be put to use in the corporation’s mobile products in days to come. It is common knowledge that the Cupertino company, as well as other leading players of the market, intently keeps a track of scientific achievements for the purpose of their implementation.

The thin photovoltaic layer of organic molecules is designed by a team under the guidance of Richard Landes. It absorbs the ultraviolet and near-infrared spectra, freely permitting visible light waves through. Therefore, the material is perceived by the human eye as transparent.

The technology can find a variety of industrial applications, from energy storing windows to smartphones and watches. However, these solar panels are still far from the stage of commercial application. Presently their quantum output is at a rate of 1%, while the colored transparent materials provide up to 7% energy conversion efficiency. Yet the developers are positive that they will be able to reach the efficiency factor of 5% when the technology is fully elaborated.

Earlier this year, Apple patented touchscreens with integrated solar panels. As envisioned by the company, this innovation can solve the problem of the relatively fast iPhone’s battery drain.

Source: macdigger.ru