Exeger's customizable solar cell can offer limitless battery longevity

Superior design

In reimagining the traditional dye-sensitized cell (DSC), the firm harnessed the strengths of existing solar cell technology. Further, it enhanced indoor and outdoor efficiency, increasing flexibility and introducing superior design capabilities. Powerfoyle's structure eliminates the necessity for silver conductors and expands the functional surface area, even in partial shading conditions.

Powerfoyle's DSC monolith features a distinctive conductive electrode material that replaces the conventional, costly, and inefficient indium-tin-oxide layer. "By removing the need for silver lines, we have achieved superior design qualities, and we offer nearly 100 percent active area – creating endless opportunities and business advantages for our partners and their products," said the company's website. 

Moreover, the Powerfoyle solar cell boasts a slender profile – as thin as 1.3 mm, depending on the structure – while maintaining durability and flexibility, setting it apart from conventional solar cells. The Powerfoyle cell can also be produced in sizes ranging from 15cm² to 500cm². "Thanks to its exceptional qualities, it is flexible enough to be bent and can be printed in any form. We can seamlessly integrate Powerfoyle into any product, supporting with endless energy," said Exerger's website. 

Diverse applications

The duration of battery life poses a significant concern for consumers of headphones and earphones. Research indicates that battery life is the second most crucial factor influencing purchasing decisions. Being the world's sole fully customizable solar cell, Powerfoyle is ideal for powering audio products with diverse design needs. It seamlessly integrates into over-ear, on-ear, and charging cases for true wireless earbuds, according to Exeger.

Powerfoyle's application can extend to portable speakers, e-readers, and computer accessories. IoT devices can also use this technology to power devices like sensors, remotes, and electronic shelf labels. The firm also aims to use Powerfoyle to power warning systems on helmets, safety vests, and hearing protectors in the future. 

Exeger is expanding its production capabilities at Stockholm II, the company's second urban factory. Upon reaching full-scale operation, Stockholm II will empower Exeter to manufacture a maximum of 2.5 million square meters of its patented solar cells annually.

On display at CES 2024, the Urbanista Los Angeles headphones and Urbanista Phoenix earphones, comprising the second generation, have paved the path for the evolution of light-powered audio products. Urbanista's latest release builds upon the success of the world's initial light-powered headphones and earphones incorporating Powerfoyle solar cell technology, initially introduced in 2021 and 2022.

3M unveiled the world's inaugural self-charging protective communications headset, capable of transforming both outdoor and indoor light into renewable electrical energy for the first time. This headset employs Powerfoyle technology to replenish an integrated lithium-ion battery, eradicating the necessity for disposable batteries.

Philips has also featured two self-powered innovations, including a television remote and sports headphones, both energized by light using Powerfoyle. Furthermore, a hearing aid from Voxx under the RCA brand and a concept for a self-powered speaker from Tymphany are also on display at CES 2024.