Lenovo Debuts Solar-Powered 14-Inch Yoga Laptop at MWC 2025

[AleksandarK]

At MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Lenovo debuted its latest prototype laptop that integrates solar charging capabilities directly into the lid. The "Yoga Solar PC Concept" utilizes photovoltaic cells with a 24% conversion efficiency rate and implements "Back Contact Cell" technology that positions mounting hardware behind the cells to maximize absorption surface. The device measures 15 mm thick and weighs 1.22 kg. The system employs a Dynamic Solar Tracking mechanism that monitors real-time power generation and automatically adjusts charging parameters to optimize energy capture regardless of lighting conditions. According to Lenovo's testing, 20 minutes of direct sunlight exposure generates sufficient power for approximately one hour of video playback.

Lenovo chose an unspecified Intel Core Ultra processor generation for the platform base, up to 32 GB RAM, 1 TB storage, and a 14-inch OLED display. Three USB-C ports allow for conventional charging when solar power is unavailable. Lenovo is also developing a separate Solar Power Kit accessory for Yoga devices. This peripheral includes a detachable solar panel with USB-C connectivity that charges external battery packs, which can later power laptops or other devices. No release timeline or pricing information has been announced for either product. However, this is a welcome development in the laptop space, which has maintained the tried-and-true formula of laptop design and functionality.



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[Fourstaff]

Doing this on a mobile phone will be ~1w, so I don't see it being implemented to mobile phones.

 

[sLowEnd]

Doing this on a mobile phone will be ~1w, so I don't see it being implemented to mobile phones.

It's been done on phones before (e.g https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_e1107_crest_solar-2829.php & https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_s7550_blue_earth-2931.php), but the small surface area means charging is slow, and exposing the battery to the heat of direct sunlight is generally not a good idea anyway.

 

[Fourstaff]

It's been done on phones before (e.g https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_e1107_crest_solar-2829.php & https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_s7550_blue_earth-2931.php), but the small surface area means charging is slow, and exposing the battery to the heat of direct sunlight is generally not a good idea anyway.

Yeah, back then phones don't use as much power.

 

[AusWolf]

Who sits facing the sun with a laptop?

 

[Shihab]

Ah! yes, I do love doing my spreadsheets under direct sun light after carefully adjusting my position for maximum solar zenith/azimuth facing. Wouldn't want it any other way.

Consumer gadgets under direct sunlight. Lol!
As if you wouldn't need more power than what's generated to just dissipate the excess heat and light up the screen enough so one can see anything in that ambient.

 

[mclaren85]

I wish in the next ten years or so we will have phones and laptops powered by nuclear batteries which never needs recharging

 

[sLowEnd]

Yeah, back then phones don't use as much power.

Yeah and it sucked back then too, hence the stuff after the "but"

 

[Caring1]

Ah! yes, I do love doing my spreadsheets under direct sun light after carefully adjusting my position for maximum solar zenith/azimuth facing. Wouldn't want it any other way.

Consumer gadgets under direct sunlight. Lol!
As if you wouldn't need more power than what's generated to just dissipate the excess heat and light up the screen enough so one can see anything in that ambient.

MPPT chargers don't need DIRECT sunlight to charge via the panel.

 

[Shihab]

MPPT chargers don't need DIRECT sunlight to charge via the panel.

No inverter does. Panels still need to be facing a specific direction for optimal generation. Which is why they don't usually point to Cardinal directions, MPPT-managed or otherwise.

 

[Caring1]

No inverter does. Panels still need to be facing a specific direction for optimal generation. Which is why they don't usually point to Cardinal directions, MPPT-managed or otherwise.

Ok, if you say so.
I'm not going to argue despite my differing opinion

 

[Nater]

Great idea in theory, but almost every dead laptop I've ever seen was left in the sun. My wife did it one time and it sort of "ironed/burned" it's imprint into the couch in the living room. Cooked itself to death.

 

[trsttte]

Who sits facing the sun with a laptop?

It will get hot and the battery will become a spicy pillow, 10/10 genius idea.