# Itty-Bitty Eco Powerhouses World's Smallest Solar Cell Optimizes Energy Management By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-02-14 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/worlds-smallest-solar-cell References: [impactlab](http://www.impactlab.com/2010/02/10/worlds-smallest-solar-sensor-could-run-forever/) & [physorg](http://www.physorg.com/news184873895.html) [University of Michigan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1) has developed minuscule [solar sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-storage-technology) able to perpetually harvest energy from its surroundings and effectively manage the energy it gathers. In theory, the solar cell could run forever. Because it is so small, the solar sensor holds potential for use in [biomedical implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery), both as it exists, and in a modified state in which it could gain power from the body’s chemical changes or a patient’s body heat. Further nanotech applications have yet to be explored, but the innovation in energy management is highly promising. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Minuscule Solar Sensors:** The development of minuscule solar sensors opens up opportunities for perpetual energy harvesting and efficient energy management. - **Biomedical Implants:** The use of minuscule solar sensors in biomedical implants could revolutionize the field by utilizing body chemical changes or body heat to power the implants. - **Nanotech Applications:** Further exploration of nanotech applications could lead to innovative uses for minuscule solar sensors. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can leverage minuscule solar sensors to enhance energy harvesting and management systems. - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can benefit from using minuscule solar sensors in biomedical implants for improved energy efficiency and longer lifespan. - **Nanotechnology:** The nanotechnology industry can explore the potential of minuscule solar sensors for disruptive innovations in various applications. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Efficient Energy Harvesting Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-energy-harvesting.md) - [Microscale Swimming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1.md) - [Origami Travel Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-origami-technology.md) - [Solar-Powered Remote Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omni-remotes-model-p.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [Solar-Powered Door Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-door-lock.md) - [Solar Powered Compact Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e55000.md)