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RadianX targets indoor-powered devices with perovskite solar material
RadianX says its perovskite solar material could help some portable and connected devices run for far longer, potentially without routine charging or battery replacement. The company’s approach targets indoor light, which it says the material harvests twice as effectively as existing solar panels, and could make devices such as e-readers and factory sensors more practical to power.
RadianX raised $5 million in seed funding, led by SOSV and Twynam, and Pacific Union Technology Precision Manufacturing is contributing a further $4 million to build a dedicated production line. The company says a 1.2 by 0.6 metre panel achieves 22.33% light-harvesting efficiency, and that its panels meet an industry durability standard. Perovskites can be less durable and more expensive than silicon, while RadianX is developing tailored power electronics and plans to sell packaged systems to device makers.
In short
- RadianX raised $5 million to scale its indoor-light solar technology.
- A manufacturing partner is adding $4 million for a production line.
- The company targets devices such as e-readers and factory sensors.
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The case for
Indoor-powered devices could reduce charging, battery replacement and maintenance, especially where sensors are numerous or hard to reach. If RadianX’s efficiency and durability claims hold up in real-world use, tailored panels and power electronics could make perovskite systems a practical option for device makers and support wider adoption of low-maintenance connected devices.
The case against
The reported performance and durability claims come from the company, and a stated efficiency or industry-standard test may not establish how well panels perform across different indoor conditions or over years of use. Perovskites can be less durable and more expensive than silicon, so manufacturing at scale and delivering reliable packaged systems remain challenges; for some devices, conventional batteries or other power sources may be simpler and more cost-effective.
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Originally published by TechCrunch as “RadianX promises solar-powered devices that never need charging”.