SunPartner Technologies, 3M Collaborate to Deliver Only Wireless Transparent Solar Charging System for Consumer Mobile Electronics

Sunpartner Technologies and 3M Company announced an agreement to collaborate in product development and technical solutions, capitalizing on innovative engineered electronics materials from 3M and transparent solar cell technologies from Sunpartner Technologies.

The two companies are developing a sustainable wireless transparent micro component that will charge devices while they are being used and exposed to light. This will give consumers the ability to charge their mobile phones and tablets with just natural or artificial light, with no electrical outlets needed to power.

Combining 3M Optically Clear Adhesives with SunPartner’s Wysips Crystal drives this innovative advance in consumer electronics energy management. Wysips – What You See Is Photovoltaic Surface – transforms any surface into a solar panel that can generate its own energy from natural or artificial light. These photovoltaic cells activate from the moment they are exposed to light and charge the battery or power the equipment they are connected to, revolutionizing businesses and the daily lives of consumers with electronics always at the ready.

Wysips ultra-thin transparent photovoltaic layer is embedded into electronic displays and supplies enough energy to keep the device charged, so it will not run out of power. The more sophisticated phones and their integrated features – apps, gaming, movies, books, email, web – suck the life out of batteries, a common complaint among consumers. Extended battery life is, therefore, taking on ever-greater importance in consumer purchase decisions. The continuous solar charge makes phones always accessible, indoors or outdoors.

Based on core 3M adhesive technology, 3M Optically Clear Adhesives are precision-manufactured to eliminate common adhesive visual defects such as bubbling, which can distort the display and diminish consumer satisfaction with their device. 3M OCA’s precisely meet specific display bonding requirements with the unique ability to customize the functionality, reactivity and performance of the adhesive.

“We see strong synergies to serve our customers in consumer electronics markets with the help of 3M as a trusted partner and expert in materials excellence,” said Ludovic Deblois, president and co-founder of Sunpartner Technologies. “Their reach with world-class mobile and display manufacturers, combined with our efforts, will enable us to move faster and to develop revolutionary solutions and foresee world-class support for a wide range of applications for our customers to help speed their products to market.”

Suited to indoor or outdoor applications, the technology can be integrated into all kinds of displays and nomad devices: mobile phone, ereaders, electronics shelves labels, watches, wireless sensors. The added source of energy production changes neither the design nor aesthetics of the device. The transparent photovoltaic component is connected to an electronic chip, which converts and manages the energy produced to charge a battery.

“It is exciting to see both an innovative and sustainable solution for this industry. We are thrilled to leverage our technical materials expertise, along with SunPartner‘s unique solutions, to enable key customers worldwide to bring new and exciting possibilities to the next generation of electronic devices” said Herve Gindre, vice president and general manager, 3M Electronics Markets Materials. “This team effort aligns well with 3M’s commitment to collaborative innovation, sustainability and improving business and people’s lives.”

Under the agreement, Sunpartner Technologies is now designing prototypes for three global leaders in mobile telephony. The company plans to finalize two new agreements in the coming months and sign the first licenses during the first half of 2014.