Adding solar power to microchips

In Israel, Sol Chip Ltd is developing a technology to address the needs of remote and mobile devices that operate autonomously and require prolonged battery life and improved battery charging proficiency along with reduction of environmental hazards. The company has raised an additional $1 million in funding, half from Israel Electric Corporation's Keret Program and half from a New York investment bank and private investors.

 

Sol Chip is developing a cost-effective, compact technology that integrates solar energy sources (Photovoltaic-PV), with low power electronic devices. Sol Chip's technology eliminates the need for an expanded solar panel area

and additional accessories and the company plans to begin manufacture of its solar-powered microchips before the end of 2012 and to create circuits that can be used to recharge the batteries of mobile and off-grid devices.

 

The company claims that its technology will extend battery life by up to seven times and even replace batteries for specific applications.

 

Sol Chip is transferring its technology to a Fraunhofer Institute site in Germany, which will provide production for hundreds of thousands of units, following the success of reliability tests.