# Sun-Powered Keyboards Au Optronics Replaces the Conventional Laptop Keyboard With Solar Panels By Michael Hines | Published 2010-11-11 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/au-optronics References: [ecofriend.org](http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/au-optronics-debuts-solar-powered-touch-keyboard-for-laptops/) & [auo](http://www.auo.com/?sn=101&lang=en-US) Taiwanese technology maker AU Optronics is attempting to steal [Logitech's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logitech-keystogo-2) recently acquired thunder with its new [solar panel keyboard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunled-sunbooster). This design integrates the solar panel directly into the laptop's keyboard, allowing for [eco-friendly outdoor computing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-door-lock). While the Logitech keyboard has to be plugged into your computer or laptop to work, the AU Optronics solar keyboard requires nothing but sunshine to operate. **Implications** - As we continue to progress in the eco-conscious society that places a premium on products that run on solar power or run without causing harm to the environment, products like the AU Optronics solar keyboard are going to become even more coveted than they are now. AU Optronics deserves credit for this innovation and their commitment to environmentally protective products. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Solar-powered Devices:** The integration of solar panels into electronic devices provides a renewable source of energy, leading to disruptive innovation opportunities in eco-friendly designs and manufacturing processes. - **Eco-friendly Computing:** The trend towards eco-consciousness creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the tech industry, from sustainable materials sourcing to developing energy-efficient products. - **Wireless Charging:** The move away from traditional power sources and towards renewable energy creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in wireless charging technology, improving mobility and convenience for consumers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry has vast opportunities to improve sustainability through eco-friendly product design and production processes, as well as exploring alternative energy solutions like solar power. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can harness the growing demand for eco-friendly products by integrating solar power panels into products, creating additional revenue streams and reaching new audiences. - **Manufacturing:** The manufacturing industry can benefit from embracing eco-friendly practices and materials, reducing waste and improving efficiencies, while also satisfying growing consumer demand for sustainable products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ambient Light-Powered Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lenovo-800-selfcharging-bluetooth-keyboard.md) - [Solar-Powered TKL Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soleil-mechanical-tkl.md) - [Crank-Powered Wireless Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mechanical-energy-harvesting-combo.md) - [Split-Structural Mechanical Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nocfree.md) - [Solar-Powered Remote Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omni-remotes-model-p.md) - [Multitouch OLED Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glyph-keyboard.md) - [Multifunctional Hidden Display Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scroom-keyboard.md) - [Minimal Low-Profile Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alter-1.md) - [Award-Winning Rechargeable Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pro-fit-ergo-kb675-eq-tkl.md)