A new breakthrough in solar technology means portable
electronic devices such as e-book readers could soon be re-charged on the move
in low light levels and partial shading. Scientists from the University of
Warwick, in collaboration with spin-out company Molecular Solar, have created
an organic solar cell that generates a sufficiently high voltage to recharge a
lithium-ion battery directly, without the need to connect multiple individual
cells in series. Modules of these high voltage cells perform well in different
light conditions including partial shade making them well matched to consumer
electronic devices such as e-book readers, cameras and some mobile phones.