A solar powered radio is a portable

radio receiver In radio communications, a radio receiver, also known as a receiver, a wireless, or simply a radio, is an electronic device that receives radio waves and converts the information carried by them to a usable form. It is used with an antenna. ...

photovoltaic panel Photovoltaics (PV) is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect, a phenomenon studied in physics, photochemistry, and electrochemistry. The photovoltaic effect is commercially ...

s. It is primarily used in remote areas where access to power sources is limited.

History

Sarkis Acopian invented the first solar-powered radio in 1957. An experimental model, developed by

General Electric General Electric Company (GE) was an American Multinational corporation, multinational Conglomerate (company), conglomerate founded in 1892, incorporated in the New York (state), state of New York and headquartered in Boston. Over the year ...

, weighed just 10

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s and was capable of working without light and recharging. It contained seven solar cells, four transistors and a small battery. In 1954, Western Electric began to sell commercial licenses solar powered radio, including other photovoltaic technologies. In 1957 the Acopian Technical Co. of

Pohatcong Township, New Jersey Pohatcong Township is a township in Warren County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 3,241, a decrease of 98 (−2.9%) from the 2010 census count of 3,339, which in turn refle ...

, was reported as manufacturing the first solar radios for commercial sale to the general public.

Advantages

Solar powered radios eliminate the need to replace batteries, which makes operating them cost much less. Since they don't require plugs, they can be used in areas where there is no electrical grid or generators. As a result, people in remote areas with little disposable income can have equal access to news and information. Informative radio programs, combined with solar powered radios, can be a powerful tool for improving the lives of people in remote areas.

History

Advantages

References

See also