Technology1 min read

RadianX promises solar-powered devices that never need charging

By · Via TechCrunch · Published by Everything Blog

In short

RadianX's specialized solar panels capture ambient indoor light twice as efficiently as standard alternatives while matching conventional outdoor performance. To bypass historical perovskite durability and cost hurdles, the company engineered custom electronics specifically suited to the material and confirmed adherence to an industry durability standard. Backed by venture funding and dedicated manufacturing support, the firm will produce modules as thin as 0.7 millimeters for diverse hardware form factors. The integrated package is designed to sustainably eliminate battery replacements in compact connected devices.

Key points

  • Perovskite materials capture indoor light twice as efficiently as traditional silicon pan…: Perovskite materials capture indoor light twice as efficiently as traditional silicon panels to continuously power small electronics.
  • Tailored power management electronics are bundled with the panels to properly handle the…: Tailored power management electronics are bundled with the panels to properly handle the unique characteristics of perovskite cells.
  • Focusing on indoor applications minimizes material wear, helping the ultra-thin panels sa…: Focusing on indoor applications minimizes material wear, helping the ultra-thin panels satisfy crucial commercial durability requirements.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Batteries have transformed electronics, giving us powerful phones, tablets, e-readers, and smart watches. But eventually, every battery runs flat.

Maybe not for long. One startup, RadianX, envisions a world in which portable and edge devices can cut the cord for good without running out of power. The key is a better breed of solar panels.

RadianX has developed a new type of solar material from a family known as perovskites. The material is just as good as existing solar panels outdoors, but twice as good at harvesting light indoors.

“We can harvest any kind of photon, whether it’s an outdoor or indoor photon, and keep the device running longer — or running forever,” Josh Douglas, co-founder and COO, told TechCrunch.

The indoor efficiency of RadianX’s tech could be the key to unlocking what the company calls “edge energy.” Think an e-reader that never needs charging or an IoT sensor that never needs a battery swap. But as with any new category, unexpected uses could emerge, including long-runtime robots or wearables that have been held back by limited battery power.

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