Miniature solar cells allow clothes to charge your phone

A university in the UK has developed a technology that uses “micro solar cells” that allow the wearer to generate electricity in action and charge items such as cell phones and smart watches.

The battery is "flea-sized" and can be embedded in the yarn and then woven into a textile. They are 3 mm long and 1.5 mm wide and are packaged in resin to wash and wear like any other form of clothing.

Developed by researchers at Nottingham Trent University, the technology has been tested and proven to charge mobile phones and Fitbit.

“Despite the ability to generate electricity, this garment looks exactly the same as any other form of clothing.”

The head of the program, Professor TilakDias of the School of Art and Design, said: "This can reduce the need to insert items into wall outlets, reduce the need for electricity, and reduce carbon emissions. The demand for smart electronic textiles has always been its Achilles heel. Technology will allow people to use smart textiles in their actions."

Up to 200 miniaturized batteries can produce 2.5-10 volts and up to 80 milliwatts of power. The university's Advanced Textile Research Group produced a 5*5cm conceptual textile containing 200 batteries. This proves to be enough to charge the phone and Fitbit. Researchers say that if 2,000 solar cells are incorporated into textiles, it will generate enough electricity to charge smart phones.

Achala Satharasinghe, a researcher who developed the prototype, said: "This is an exciting technology that can revolutionize our perception of solar energy, clothing and wearable technology. With the advent of miniature solar cells, we can adopt new ways. Use clothing, fashion accessories, textiles, etc. to generate electricity.

“This will make mobile devices more environmentally friendly and more convenient for consumers than ever before.”