Chinese technology company Lenovo has introduced its first solar-powered laptop, the Yoga Solar PC, alongside its solar power kit for the laptop.
The company says this clean energy can contribute to a smaller carbon footprint instead of solely using fossil fuel-powered electricity.
Absorbing and converting direct sunlight in 20 minutes for one hour of video playback, the proof-of-concept product is designed with a back-absorbing solar cell consisting of conductive gridlines and mounting brackets on its back cover.
Equipped with a back solar panel that can be used and powered by the users’ ambient light surroundings, offering an extra hour of use, the Lenovo Yoga Solar PC will automatically adjust the charger’s settings to use harvested solar energy.
The laptop’s solar-energy-powered system also has a solar tracking network, which regularly controls the solar panel’s current and voltage to maximise energy savings and maintain stable operations regardless of light intensity.
Lenovo additionally provides the Solar Power Kit for its solar laptop, which includes a solar panel and a power bank that can be affixed to a backpack, tent, or tree.
Despite the challenges of solar batteries – including limited charging efficiency, heat sensitivity, battery lifespan, and manufacturing – the first solar-powered laptop is paving the way for greener and renewable energy in personal devices.
In 2022, Aussie sustainable jewellery maker Noosa partnered with Lenovo to use precious metals from the company’s Asset Recovery Service to create Noosa’s ring collection.
