How Do Solar-Powered Watches Work?
This article will extensively cover solar-powered watches. It would be great if you never had to worry about the batteries in your watch. Doesn’t that sound impossible? When you wear a solar watch, you don’t have to stress about charging the batteries because they charge themselves in the sun.
This means that the time shown by a solar watch is very accurate. Solar watches have been around since the 1970s, but the technology behind them has come a long way, making them much better now. We will learn how they work, their pros and cons, lithium-ion batteries, eco-drive technology, and more.
- Once exposed to light, solar-powered watches keep charging constantly, so you don’t have to change the batteries.
- Photovoltaic systems in these watches turn light into electricity, which is then stored in lithium-ion batteries that can be charged and used for a long time.
- Solar watches cost more than regular quartz watches, but they are better for the environment, have long-lasting batteries, and can charge even when there isn’t natural light around.
The Development Of Solar-Powered Watches
The first solar watches were made in the 1970s. They were specially made to fit the photovoltaic (PV) cells that powered them. Some well-known companies that made them were Nepro, Sicura, and Synchronar. By the 1980s, kids liked cheap watches powered by the sun. These watches often featured pictures of well-known people.
The Citizen Eco-Drive line of watches, which came out in the 1990s, made big changes to solar watches. Since then, many technological advances have made these watches bigger and better. Solar-powered watches have also been made by well-known watch brands like Casio, Orient, Seiko, and Junghans. Many people now wear Citizen and Seiko solar watches.
The Science Behind Solar Watches
Let’s take a look at how a solar watch works. A watch powered by the sun turns light into electricity. A photovoltaic system is used, which is usually found in solar panels. Most of the time, the solar cell is placed under the surface of the watch dial.
When light strikes the cell, it generates an electric current that moves the free electrons in the panel. The electricity goes to a battery, which stays charged, creating a solar power reserve. The battery powers the watch with the power stored in the rechargeable cell.
Traditional Watches Vs Solar-Powered Watches
Solar watches are sometimes called solar quartz watches because they work the same way a regular quartz watch does all the other times. A quartz crystal vibrates inside the circuit to keep the time accurate. The quartz also ensures the beat rate is one tick per second. However, solar watches are different from regular watches regarding batteries.
Quartz watches usually have batteries that need to be thrown away, but solar-powered watches have batteries that can be charged repeatedly. Lithium-ion cells are a common type of these batteries. A rechargeable cell can be charged thousands of times before it needs to be replaced. Recharging works well since a full charge can create a solar power reserve that lasts for months, even when not in the sun.
How Long Does A Solar Watch Take To Charge?
How long it takes to charge a solar watch depends on several factors.
At the very least, a Citizen Eco-Drive watch can be fully charged in two hours of sunny weather.
What Kind Of Light
Light can come from either natural sources or electricity. Sunlight charges a solar watch more quickly than electricity.
Power Absorption Ability
Your watch’s charging speed may also depend on the type and the technology used in its solar panels.
Light Intensity
Your solar-powered watch will charge as quickly if it is cloudy and dark that day.
Pros And Cons Of Solar-Powered Watches
More and more people are choosing solar-powered watches over regular ones because they are more eco-friendly. Some problems exist with a solar watch, but the pros outweigh the cons. Let us look at some good and bad things about watches powered by the sun.
Pros
- When the solar panel is in the sun, it always charges.
- Solar watches don’t need much maintenance.
- Batteries made of lithium-ion can last more than ten years.
- A solar watch is better for the Earth.
- Solar watches store much power, so they can stay charged for almost six months even if not in the sun.
Cons
Solar Watches Cost More Than Quartz Watches
Conclusion
Everyone should think about switching from quartz watches to solar-powered watches. Not only is it better for the environment, but it will also save you money in the long run. Because it is photovoltaic, the cell can be charged for years and power the watch. Solar watches also have a power reserve that keeps the power for later use. There are many good things about solar watches. If you still need to figure it out, check out the Citizen Eco-Drive brand, the Seiko Solar brand, and the products of other companies.
