Dual-Purpose Solar Cell Powers Gear and Emits Light
The research-stage device aims to reduce the battery load carried by infantry soldiers in future tactical operations.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Energy
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In a 2026 study, researchers at Florida International University developed a dual-purpose solar cell that generates electricity while also emitting near-infrared light. The research-stage device aims to eventually reduce the 20-pound battery load carried by infantry soldiers.
Why it matters
The development seeks to address the logistical burden of heavy power supplies in field operations by integrating energy generation directly into wearable materials. It represents a shift toward multifunctional power-harvesting textiles that could change standard equipment design.
Laboratory testing of the solar cell demonstrated a peak power conversion efficiency of 22 percent. Upon applying a reversed current, the device emits near-infrared light peaking at an 818-nm wavelength.
The players
Florida International University
A public research university where engineering teams are investigating advanced semiconductor applications.
The details
Engineers modified the active semiconductor material to produce light when biased with a reversed electrical current. The device uses thin semiconductor layers designed for increased light absorption to maintain efficiency within micro-thin boundaries, while a polymer base provides resistance to mechanical twisting. Encapsulation layers are added to the structure to protect the semiconductor components from environmental moisture and dust.
Timeline
2026: Engineers published the research on dual-purpose perovskite energy devices.
The Tech Race
This research follows the wider industry trend of integrating flexible perovskite materials into wearable applications beyond simple power generation. It marks a push to transition solar cells from static energy capture to dual-purpose devices capable of signal emission.
Current research is focused on laboratory-scale patches, with plans to eventually integrate the technology into full military uniforms. The implementation of this wearable power source requires the development of future textile conductive pathways to distribute the captured energy to gear.
The takeaway
The research establishes a baseline for dual-function energy textiles that could one day replace bulky battery packs in tactical kits. Readers should monitor future publications for reports on the scalability of the manufacturing process from small patches to uniform-scale textile integration.
Further reading
Explore more on the current state of power technology at Energy.
More information
Review the full scientific study on perovskite energy devices for detailed performance data.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ecoportal.
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Should the military prioritize the development of solar-integrated uniforms to reduce soldier equipment weight?
