Originally Published 6-15-2021
PowerFilm flexible PV cells and reference designs make implementing energy harvesting into your products more accessible.
Our latest cells offer smaller form factors, ideal for the compact electronics used in most Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Watch our short explainer video.
Exposed contacts and integrated FPC connector tabs simplify connecting or mounting to a PCB.
Reference designs provide examples of ultra-low-power BLE solutions, energy harvesting PMICs, and how flexible PV cells can mount to a PCB via conductive epoxy or FPC connectors.
With these products, PowerFilm has the tools and support you need at all stages of the development process, from prototype to product launch.
Learn about our collaborative development process and how to prototype with solar energy harvesting.
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Indoor Panels
We recently added four designs to our Indoor Light Series. Along with excellent indoor performance, these modules fit the needs of typical IoT devices.
Learn more about Indoor Solar.
- 12 x 34 mm
- 1000 Lux: 0.059mA @ 1.1V (0.065mW)
- 200 Lux: 0.012mA @ 0.8V (0.010mW)
- Exposed Backside Contacts
- Ideal for BLE Beacons and ultra-low-power devices
- 10 x 94 mm
- 1000 Lux: 0.105mA @ 2.1V (0.219mW)
- 200 Lux: 0.021mA @ 1.6V (0.033mW)
- FPC Connector Tabs
- Ideal for ULP Displays and Wearables
- 24 x 44 mm
- 1000 Lux: 0.063mA @ 3.2V (0.204mW)
- 200 Lux: 0.013mA @ 2.4V (0.031mW)
- FPC Connector Tabs
- Ideal for BLE Devices and Wireless Sensors
- 11.86 x 310.0 mm
- 1000 Lux: 0.307mA @ 3.2V (0.982mW)
- 200 Lux: 0.062mA @ 2.4V (0.150mW)
- Exposed Backside Contacts
- Ideal for Electronic Shelf Labels
Outdoor Panels
We recently added three smaller sizes to our Classic Application Series. These panels are an excellent fit for various outdoor sensors or tracking applications.
Not sure what size panel is right for you? Learn how to size a solar panel for an IoT device.
Exposed backside contacts make them easy to connect to or mount to a PCB. With an output voltage under 5V, they are compatible with our development kits or most off-the-shelf energy harvesting PMICs.
- 12 x 24 mm
- 100% Sun: 3.3mA @ 1.2V (4mW)
- 25% Sun: 0.7mA @ 1.2V (0.9mW)
- 36.5 x 54.0mm
- 100% Sun: 50.8mA @ 1.2V (70mW)
- 25% Sun: 11.4mA @ 1.2V (13.7mW)
- 14.6 x 94.0mm
- 100% Sun: 18.6mA @ 2.4V (45mW)
- 25% Sun: 4.2mA @ 2.4V (10.1mW)
Reference Designs
BLE Reference Design
Our BLE reference design features a compact and flexible PV module mounted to the circuit board via conductive epoxy.
This design can run with a battery, supercap, or bank of standard capacitors. The e-peas AEM10941 charges the storage element and manages the power delivered to the Nordic BLE device. A custom direct power output feature maximizes efficiency and storage when using capacitors.
A Flex PC version is available for applications that take full advantage of the thin/flexible nature of PowerFilm PV modules.
At 200 lux, this design supports the Nordic blinky, HRM, beacon, and OTA DFU example applications with power left over to implement additional functions.
Flexible Circuit Board
Rigid Circuit Board
BLE Reference Design - Mini
The mini BLE reference design features a smaller flexible PV cell mounted with FPC connector tabs. The panel tabs insert on the top side, and the panel is folded around and mounted to the backside.
This design is battery-less and relies on a 500uF capacitor bank for storage. A simple comparator-based circuit charges the capacitors and manages the power delivered to the Nordic BLE device.
At 200 lux, this design supports the Nordic blinky, HRM, and beacon example applications.
Solar Development Kits
Our energy harvesting solar development kits are ideal for your first prototyping step. They are total power management solutions that can power external electronics directly. With screw connectors and re-configurable jumper pins, you can set up and run your device with these
kits in under 5 minutes.
Solar Development Kit with e-peas PMIC and CAP-XX Supercapacitors (DEV-EPEAS-CAPXX) and Solar Development Kit (DEV-BASIC)
The Solar Development Kit with e-peas PMIC and CAP-XX Supercapacitors (DEV-EPEAS-CAPXX) and Solar Development Kit (DEV-BASIC) are total power management solutions that can power external electronics directly.
Energy harvesting, battery charging, and output regulation bridge the gap between solar and electronics.
Register for our Designing Perpetual IoT Edge Devices Using Solar PMIC and Supercap Technology on-demand webinar to hear from the kit’s designers.
Solar Development Kit with Nordic BLE (DEV-BLE-NS)
The Solar Development Kit with Nordic BLE (DEV-BLE-NS) is perfect for developers looking to design or add PowerFilm’s high-performance solar to BLE products. It includes an onboard energy harvester/power management IC, nRF52832 BLE circuitry, solar panels, and all required components are plug-and-play.
No matter what stage of the development process you are in, we have the products and tools to help you succeed.
Our reference designs and standard flexible PV sizes provide a smooth transition from a prototype to a successful product.
If you have questions or an application you need help with, please contact us, and we will develop the best flexible PV energy harvesting solution for you.
Additional Resources
Visit Mouser or Digi-Key to purchase our flexible PV cells and development kits.
Our blog is an excellent resource if you are interested in learning more about energy harvesting or solar technology in general.
Our webinars and slide decks provide extensive information on the value of solar energy harvesting.
Our custom solar panel design tool allows you to build a panel to fit your needs.
Download this blog post to take with you!