## Introduction
The world is increasingly turning towards alternative energy sources, and solar power stands out as the fastest-growing renewable option. With over half of the 302GW of renewable capacity installed internationally in 2021 being solar, it’s clear that solar energy has immense potential. One Swedish deeptech scaleup, Exeger, has been at the forefront of harnessing solar power for consumer electronics, aiming to eliminate battery life woes. In this article, we’ll explore how Exeger is revolutionizing consumer tech with its innovative solar-powered solutions.
The Vision of Exeger: Solar Power Meets Consumer Tech
In 2009, Exeger embarked on a mission to leverage solar energy for consumer electronics. The Swedish scaleup, now boasting over 200 employees and two solar cell factories in Stockholm, has engineered and produced its patented hardware called Powerfoyle. This technology enables seamless integration of solar power into existing devices, allowing them to convert indoor and outdoor light into virtually endless energy.
Solar-Powered Headphones and Beyond: Exeger’s Product Lineup
Exeger’s commitment to integrating solar power into consumer tech is exemplified by its product lineup. Currently, the company has commercialized six products utilizing its Powerfoyle technology. Among them are solar-powered headphones like the Urbanista Los Angeles, Urbanista Phoenix, and Adidas RPT-02 Sol. Exeger has also integrated Powerfoyle into the Blue Tiger Solare communication headset, the POC Omne Eternal bike helmet, and the self-powered dog harness called Spåra Hund.
The Power of Powerfoyle: A Breakthrough Solar Cell Technology
At the heart of Exeger’s innovation lies Powerfoyle, a silicon-free solar cell technology that replaces silicon with titanium dioxide. Powerfoyle is a Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) that absorbs light similar to artificial photosynthesis. Unlike traditional solar cells, Powerfoyle’s unique chemistry and architecture make it resistant to partial shading, a common problem leading to power losses in solar cell systems.
The DSC technology used in Powerfoyle incorporates a conductive electrode material that replaces the expensive Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer found in conventional solar cells. This results in a cell that can generate electricity even with partial light exposure. Whether indoors or outdoors, Powerfoyle can absorb light from any angle, making it highly versatile.
Customizability: Powerfoyle Fits Any Form and Texture
One of the key advantages of Powerfoyle is its ability to be customized to fit various form factors and textures. Exeger’s CEO, Giovanni Fili, emphasizes that the unique chemistry of Powerfoyle and the company’s free-form printing technique enable the material to be made into almost any type or form. From sizes ranging from 15cm² to 500cm², Powerfoyle can seamlessly blend into curved surfaces like headbands or helmets, as well as integrate with existing devices.
Expanding Applications: Beyond Headphones
While solar-powered headphones have gained significant popularity, Exeger envisions a broader range of applications for Powerfoyle. The scaleup is actively working on integrating solar power into portable speakers, e-readers, IoT devices like trackers and sensors, and even smart workplace accessories like helmets, vests, and hearing protection. By extending the reach of solar power to diverse consumer tech products, Exeger aims to revolutionize the way we power our devices.
Integrating Powerfoyle: A Seamless Process
Integrating Powerfoyle into consumer products is a collaborative effort between Exeger and its partners. Tuomas Lonka, Brand & Marketing Director of Urbanista, a company that collaborated with Exeger to launch solar-powered headphones, explains the integration process. The technology can be seamlessly integrated into the product design, making it almost indistinguishable from non-solar counterparts. While the development time for solar-powered headphones may be slightly longer, the fast progress made by Urbanista demonstrates the feasibility of integrating Powerfoyle into consumer electronics.
Endless Battery Life: Powerfoyle’s Energy Independence
From a consumer perspective, owning a device that continuously charges through light offers a significant benefit: energy independence. Powerfoyle has the remarkable ability to harvest electricity in all light conditions, whether it’s sunlight or artificial indoor light. Fili explains that just 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure can provide an hour of listening time for solar-powered headphones. With normal use, the headphones remain fully charged, eliminating battery anxiety for users.
Driving Sustainability with Solar-Powered Devices
Solar-powered products are not only about convenience but also about environmental responsibility. Exeger’s Powerfoyle technology contributes to sustainability by reducing emissions during production. Additionally, solar-powered devices can reduce the need for additional cables and charging from the grid, leading to energy savings and a positive environmental impact. As the market demand for consumer tech products continues to grow, integrating solar power into everyday life can drive consumer engagement with sustainable technologies.
Overcoming Challenges: Exeger’s Journey to Success
Exeger’s path to success has not been without challenges. Convincing investors to believe in the technology’s potential was initially difficult. However, Fili’s vision of integrating solar power into consumer products that sell millions of units per year proved to be the key. With no direct competition in terms of design and efficiency, Exeger’s Powerfoyle technology offers superior performance compared to traditional solar cells. The scaleup has raised €180 million, and partnerships with renowned brands like Adidas further validate the technology’s success.
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Believe, Collaborate, and Focus on Impact
Fili, the European Inventor of the Year 2021 awardee, shares valuable advice for entrepreneurs entering the field. He highlights the importance of working collaboratively with others, believing in oneself, and focusing on the impact the technology can have on people’s lives. Fili’s journey with Exeger exemplifies the power of persistence and finding like-minded individuals who are willing to embark on a long-term game.