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Solar-powered hearing protectors constantly charge in any light, so workers can be ready, focused, and safe on the job.
When it comes to worker safety, having and using the right equipment is critical. According to the US Center for Disease Control, 22 million Americans are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. Workers like these require safety and communication equipment that is reliable, ready and comfortable for all-day use.
At Exeger, we have invented a solar cell that converts all forms of light into electrical energy, enabling potentially endless battery life for worker safety equipment such as hearing protectors and communication headsets. Our solar cell, called Powerfoyle, is environmentally friendly and is durable to withstand rugged conditions for a long product life.
High performance in outdoor and indoor light
Unaffected by partial shading
Durable
Surface textures
Flexible
Environmentally conscious
In January 2024, 3M debuted the world’s first self-charging protective communications headset. The headset uses Powerfoyle solar cells to recharge a built-in lithium-ion battery and eliminates the need for single-use batteries. So whether users are working outdoors in the sun or inside with artificial light, the headset will continuously charge.
With Powerfoyle solar cells integrated into headbands of communication headset and hearing protectors, products charge in all light conditions, from natural outdoor light to artificial indoor light. Powerfoyle is highly efficient, packing powerful energy performance into a compact surface area. In doing so, it reduces or eliminates the need for traditional charging from cords or disposable batteries. Without the hassle and expense of cords and wall charging or battery replacements, workers can focus on safely performing their jobs.
When devices are continuously charging, workers can be confident that their equipment is ready when they need it.
For equipment that is often used in rugged conditions and long hours, a high standard of quality and durability is essential. Powerfoyle solar cells stand up to the challenge.
Unlike most solar cells, Powerfoyle is designed to be flexible and resilient. Since the solar cell is able to withstand bending, it integrates perfectly into the headband of hearing protectors and communication headsets. It’s also made for longevity, and we perform extensive quality testing to ensure resistance to the wear and tear of everyday use. Products with Powerfoyle can be built to be water-resistant and hold up to sweat, dust and other elements.
Sustainability is gaining importance at all levels of business as companies align their corporate initiatives and activities with the values of their leaders and consumers. This holds true all the way to the end users and decision makers in equipment purchasing.
A 2023 joint study from the International Safety Equipment Association, the American Society of Safety Professionals and EHS Today found that 80% of end-user safety managers consider sustainability an important factor when selecting between brands of PPE and safety equipment. They also expect sustainability to grow in importance as a purchase criteria over the next three years.
Exeger’s commitment to sustainability is evident in everything that we do. Unlike many other solar cells, Powerfoyle is non-toxic and made using abundantly available raw materials. Our production sites in Stockholm, Sweden, use 100% renewable energy and generate no toxic emissions.
With solar-powered hearing protectors, renewable energy replaces the high environmental cost of battery waste and demonstrates your contribution to a sustainable future.
Powerfoyle is the world’s only fully customizable solar cell and consequently uniquely positioned to power worker safety equipment given the design and use case requirements.
When it comes to Powerfoyle’s design, anything is possible. Our thin and flexible solar cells can be produced in any size, shape or texture. For example, it can look like leather, brushed steel or fabric. Additionally, logos or other graphics can be printed directly onto the top cell layer with minimal effect on the performance.
By rearranging the layers of the dye-sensitized solar cell type, we have removed the need for silver lines and made nearly 100% of our cell area active, so that it is more efficient and works even in partially shaded conditions.
Powerfoyle offers a better way to power hearing protectors and communication headsets for worker safety. With equipment that is durable, reliable, as well as always charged and ready using the surrounding light, workers can be focused, productive and safe.
