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Lenovo displayed a groundbreaking solar-powered concept laptop at the Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC) in Barcelona this week. The Yoga Solar PC can convert 20 minutes of direct sunlight into approximately one hour of video playback time.
The laptop features solar panels integrated into its lid that achieve over 24% energy conversion efficiency—among the highest rates available in consumer electronics today.
“As we push the limits of AI innovation higher than ever, it is important to remember that delivering access to AI for all is equally a core tenet of Lenovo’s philosophy,” said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo’s Senior Vice President, in a press statement.
The laptop’s impressive solar capability comes from its “Back Contact Cell” technology. Unlike traditional solar panels with visible gridlines on the surface, the design places all mounting brackets and electrical contacts behind the solar cells. The arrangement maximizes the light absorption area across the 84 solar cells on the lid.
Even with solar panels added to the chassis, the Yoga Solar PC maintains a slim profile at just 15mm thick and weighs only 1.22kg. The system runs on Intel’s new Lunar Lake processor and features a 14-inch OLED display.
Source: Lenovo
“Dynamic Solar Tracking” system, created by Lenovo engineers, constantly measures current and voltage from the panels. The system adjusts charging settings to prioritize the harvested solar energy. The laptop can generate power even in low-light indoor conditions, though at a significantly slower rate.
The laptop’s solar capability isn’t powerful enough to run continuously during active use. However, it can maintain the battery charge when the device is idle or extend battery life during lighter tasks.
Solar charging could reduce dependence on power outlets for outdoor workers, hikers, or professionals in remote locations. The technology will prove particularly valuable in regions with unreliable electrical infrastructure.
This concept joins other prototype devices Lenovo showcased at MWC 2025. One of these is a ThinkBook with a folding screen and Magic Bay accessories that add secondary displays to existing laptops.
Lenovo also revealed a separate Solar Power Kit for the Yoga concept. It features two book-style folding solar panels with a built-in kickstand and detachable power bank. The kit connects to laptops via USB-C and can be attached to backpacks for on-the-go charging.
Source: Lenovo
Alongside its concept devices, Lenovo revealed several new laptops that are scheduled for market release. The ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1, Lenovo’s first convertible in the T series, will be available from June 2025 with a starting price of €1,649. More new laptops include the Yoga Pro 9i and 7i Aura Editions (March-June 2025, €1,399-€1,699), and the budget IdeaPad Slim 3x (March 2025, €599).
Lenovo hasn’t confirmed plans to bring the Yoga Solar PC to market as a commercial product yet. However, the company has previously transformed concept devices into retail products. One such is the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 with its expandable display, which was first shown as a prototype in 2023 and will be available in June 2025.
