SoftPV Unveils 'Digital Solar Tree' at MWC

SoftPIV showcased a digital solar tree at 'MWC 2023'.

SoftPV announced that it showcased its digital solar tree at the world’s largest mobile and information communication exhibition, Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023, held in Barcelona, Spain, from the 27th of last month to the 2nd.

The product introduced this time is the next-generation version of the first-generation digital solar tree ‘Soltria,’ which won the Innovation Award in the smart energy category at CES 2022, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, and also received a bronze medal at the Edison Awards.

SoftPV first produced leaf-shaped solar modules that generate about 0.5W per leaf using ‘SoftCell,’ a bead-shaped solar cell developed by SoftPV in the form of electronic components, applied on transparent and flexible film. All the leaves are electrically connected to enable power generation even under indoor lighting. The generated power drives various sensors and collects data for monitoring, incorporating digital functions.

The digital solar tree, which is life-sized and composed of three modules?the branch module, main body module, and root module?is easy to assemble and disassemble. It is designed so that only the necessary parts can be selectively replaced for maintenance. Unlike the first-generation leaves, the second-generation solar leaf modules are round-shaped, marking a design advancement. The power generated by the leaf modules is first stored in an ESS (Energy Storage System), from which electricity is supplied to various devices including sensors to perform digital functions.

At this mobile exhibition, the digital solar tree also demonstrated a solution that operates communication relay devices with power generated during the day in areas completely lacking power infrastructure, enabling communication in shadow zones.

Hyunwoo Ahn, CEO of SoftPV, stated, “We plan to conduct field tests to optimize the digital solar tree before launching it to the market. We are working on integrating our solution into high value-added products such as artworks, which cannot be realized with other solar products, to create digital functions or movements, effectively breathing life into artworks.”