We explore cutting-edge solar cells that have the potential to replace local ba3

We explore cutting-edge solar cells that have the potential to replace traditional batteries.

Batteries?: *By Brian Kahn* Growing up in the 80s, I loved covering the tiny solar cell on my calculator, watching the display gradually fade, then magically reappear when I held it under a bright light. (Nerdy? Maybe, but I embrace it.) I often imagined that "one day, solar power would be everywhere." Clearly, my passion lies in climate tech rather than consumer tech: while large solar panels exemplify the energy transition, most electronics still rely on batteries because flexible solar cells never progressed enough. However, a groundbreaking new solar technology may bring my childhood vision to life.
I recently toured the factory where these innovative cells are produced. Located in Scotts Valley, California, Ambient Photonics develops solar cells for electronics using a unique manufacturing process. Unlike the amorphous silicon cells found in those 1980s calculators, Ambient's cells utilize a specialized sensitized dye that can capture three times more energy from both sunlight and indoor light. The company's technology features in a new Lenovo keyboard, and CEO Bates Marshall showcased prototypes of devices such as mice, TV remotes, and digital displays that all harness Ambient's solar cells. These prototypes aim to inspire major electronics companies to consider solar power as an alternative to batteries; however, Marshall did not disclose the names of these potential partners. While these cells won't power every device, such as iPhones or laptops that demand significant energy, they can power smaller devices that operate behind the scenes. Think of electronic door locks in hotel rooms or sensors in factories that enhance efficiency without heavy power consumption. Eliminating
batteries from these devices could decrease maintenance requirements, freeing up human resources and reducing emissions associated with the shipment and installation of new batteries. According to an independent study commissioned by Ambient Photonics, their cells have a lifetime carbon footprint that is 90% lower than that of traditional batteries.
However, some experts suggest that the additional hardware required to operate the dye-sensitized cells may diminish some of these carbon savings.

Ambient's factory is on track to become fully automated, with projections of producing hundreds of thousands of cells monthly later this year and ramping up to millions by 2026. Yet, potential challenges loom. Ambient's facility in Scotts Valley faces complications as most current and prospective customers manufacture goods primarily in Asia. The trade tensions initiated by President Donald Trump have led to heightened frictions and exorbitant tariffs on products moving between the U.S. and China. This week, the U.S. also implemented new duties reaching as high as 3,521% on solar imports from Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Trump recently indicated he would be "very nice" to China and promised to reduce tariffs but not eliminate them entirely. However, the implications, timelines, and uncertainties regarding adjustments at the end of the 90-day reprieve that lowered tariffs to 10% for some countries make planning difficult. "It's tough to strategize when circumstances are changing so quickly," Marshall noted.
Source@Bloomberg