Lenovo Debuts Solar-Charging Laptop That Turns 20 Minutes of Sunlight Into Hour of Video

Lenovo introduced a solar-powered laptop concept at Mobile World Congress 2025 that can convert 20 minutes of direct sunlight into one hour of video playback. The Yoga Solar PC features solar cells on its lid with a 24% energy conversion rate, exceeding the industry average of 21.4%, according to the company.

The concept laptop uses "Back Contact Cell" technology that places mounting brackets and electrical connections behind the cells to maximize light absorption. The system can harvest energy from low-light conditions, such as indoor lighting, to maintain battery charge when idle, according to Lenovo representatives during the demonstration.

Despite its solar capabilities, the laptop maintains ultrabook dimensions at 15 millimeters thick and 1.22 kg (2.69 pounds). The device includes a 14-inch OLED display with DCI-P3 color gamut, Intel Core Ultra processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a 50.2 Wh battery.

"With innovations like the Yoga Solar PC Concept, Lenovo has introduced proof-of-concept technologies designed to empower users," said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo's Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Segment, Intelligent Devices Group, in a press statement.

Lenovo has not announced plans to bring the concept to market. The company also revealed a separate Solar Power Kit with dual panels that can charge devices via USB-C or store energy in an included power bank.

Industry observers note the concept addresses growing demand for sustainable technology while potentially solving power access issues for field workers and outdoor professionals. Samsung attempted a solar-powered netbook in 2011 with the NC215S, which required two hours of sunlight for one hour of use, showing how significantly Lenovo's efficiency has improved.

The laptop includes a "Dynamic Solar Tracking" system that continuously measures the panel's current and voltage, adjusting settings to optimize energy capture even in low-light conditions. Lenovo's MWC showcase also included the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition for creators and the ThinkBook Flip Concept with a secondary vertical display.