Samsung Introduces Solar TV

Samsung Introduces Solar TV

Samsung continues to move forward in developing solar-powered electronics. It has already introduced a solar-powered video projector, cell phones, and cell-phone chargers, and now it introduces a solar-powered television.

There won’t be any need to charge the television during the day or to worry about restricted viewing at night: The new LCD television includes solar panels that produce energy from ambient light in the room. The set is engineered to use very little energy, so it can operate completely free of the grid.

The 46” television debuted at CeBIT, a tradeshow for the digital industry, in Germany this week. The television features a transparent LCD screen, which means that images can be projected onto the screen while also allowing objects behind the screen to remain visible. The screen looks like a thin piece of glass.

Practical Uses

Industry experts say that the technology may be able to be used for other applications, such as car windshields and storefront displays.

We’re thinking this may go the way of picture-in-picture: Sure, it’s neat to have the capability, but who can concentrate on both pictures at once. Either you’re concentrating on what’s on the screen, or you’re too distracted by what’s behind it. Really, how many times have you felt stymied by NOT being able to see what’s behind your TV?

Despite the practical issues raised by the transparency of the set, we’re excited by the application of solar power and the promise this development has for other uses. If solar power can be used to completely power a television by prioritizing energy efficiency, then there is promise to use the same principles on other large-scale electronic items.

Industry professionals also noted the use of the technology for digital window blinds, but aren’t regular blinds already as energy efficient as they can be?

Samsung did announce that it used the same technology in a prototype laptop with a translucent AMOLED screen. The laptop was introduced earlier this year.

This was a guest post by Lisa Shoreland.

Bio: Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go College, where recently she’s been researching college signature loans as well as student loans. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, practicing martial arts, and taking weekend trips.