Revolutionary Solar Technology Aims to Eliminate Battery Dependency in Smart Home Devices

Two industry leaders are joining forces to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in consumer electronics: battery waste. Ambient Photonics, a California-based solar innovation company, and Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: UEIC), have established a strategic partnership to embed cutting-edge photovoltaic solutions into connected devices, fundamentally transforming how smart home and entertainment systems operate.

Breaking the Battery Cycle

The collaboration centers on Ambient Photonics’ proprietary low light energy harvesting photovoltaic technology—a breakthrough capable of powering devices directly from ambient indoor lighting. According to a 2020 independent study commissioned by Ambient, embedding these advanced solar cells could reduce the carbon footprint of battery-powered devices by up to 90 percent while simultaneously eliminating replacement labor costs and operational expenses.

The numbers tell a compelling story. In California alone, less than 1 percent of discarded batteries reach authorized recycling facilities despite legal requirements to divert them from landfills. This systemic failure underscores why self-powered alternatives have become crucial for both manufacturers and environmentally conscious consumers.

Technology That Outperforms Existing Solutions

What sets this partnership apart is the raw performance advantage of Ambient’s dye sensitized photovoltaic cells. These cells generate up to three times more electrical power than conventional amorphous silicon alternatives, which have dominated indoor applications for years. This superior power density operates efficiently under LED lighting, fluorescent illumination, and diffuse natural sunlight—environments where traditional photovoltaic technologies struggle.

Behind this performance gain lies an innovation in manufacturing. Ambient’s breakthrough industrial printing process enables made-to-order cells tailored for high-volume production, making the technology practical and scalable for major electronics manufacturers.

The Consumer Experience Reimagined

For end users, the implications are transformative. Connected devices and smart home products historically require frequent battery replacements or recharging cycles. Dead batteries don’t just create inconvenience—they interrupt functionality when users need it most, causing operational gaps and frustration. Self-powered alternatives eliminate this friction entirely.

UEI leadership emphasizes this vision. Arsham Hatambeiki, Senior Vice President of Product & Technology, noted that the partnership reflects a holistic approach to “smarter living,” merging frictionless consumer experiences with environmental responsibility. The resulting devices would operate seamlessly while delivering measurable sustainability benefits.

From Innovation to Market

Ambient Photonics, founded in 2019, has rapidly positioned itself as a pioneer in low light solar harvesting technology. The company collaborates with leading global manufacturers of smart home and IoT devices, embedding its cells directly into product designs. Bates Marshall, Ambient’s CEO, emphasized the company’s role as “first-mover and innovator,” having thoroughly validated performance and reliability metrics with partners like UEI.

Universal Electronics Inc., established in 1986, brings decades of experience as a global leader in wireless control solutions. As a designer and manufacturer of control systems, smart home products, and intelligent security solutions, UEI works across video services, consumer electronics, climate control, and home appliance markets worldwide.

The companies plan to reveal comprehensive collaboration details at CES 2022, marking a significant milestone in the transition toward battery-free connected devices.

Why This Matters Now

The convergence of this partnership reflects broader industry trends: manufacturers are increasingly accountable for sustainability, consumers demand convenience, and regulatory frameworks are tightening around electronic waste. Technologies that address all three simultaneously represent genuine competitive advantages.

By combining Ambient Photonics’ solar innovation with UEI’s market reach and manufacturing expertise, this collaboration signals that the era of battery-dependent connected devices is entering its twilight—and a cleaner, more sustainable alternative is emerging.