Motorola Patents 'Solar LCD'
by Matthew Sparkes, London, UK 
on 05.23.07
Imagine a mobile phone that you never have to plug in, and always remains charged. A new patent from Motorola will bring that possibiility closer. They have developed a screen that allows more light to pass through it than previous designs. This means that a relatively large, but unobtrisive, solar cell could be placed behind the screen.
Previous designs ave been proposed for this, but the reflective screen in normal LCDs meant that only 6% of light passed through to the solar cell. Motorola claim that their recent innovations can raise this up to 75%. The patent also applies to OLED screens, so it's compatible with these new screens that are becoming common on electrical goods. :: Ministry of Tech
See also :: Patent page :: Organic LED Displays (OLEDs)
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yes but how many people leave their cell phones lying in the sun? its either in my handbag or plugged in at night, because I need it charged for during the day...
Looks like a solex agitator to me.
I'm sure it wouldn't take that long to change your behavior a little so that you end up charging the phone Right now I'm at a desk, and could easily leave my cell phone on the window sill rather than sitting inside my too-cool-for-school messenger bag.
Perhaps on special hats?
It strikes me that leaving your cell phone out is asking for it to be stolen.
True, but imagine how handy it would be if you left your charger someplace... No need to run to radioshack, just plunk it in the sun for a couple of hours.
And it is suggested that you keep your phone off the sun in every manual...
Bravo, I am sure there will be an option of being able to plug it. I have thought about this for years.
yes but nathan... you're lucky to have windows in your office. us cubicle moles are less fortunate...I think solar cells on bags and then using that power to charge our phones is still a great solution. and car tops should have solar panels too...I mean they're in the sun almost 24/7, it just makes sense!
a good read.