Solar laptops existed in the past, but they didn’t catch on.

Netbooksare a bit of a footnote now.

The Samsung Netbook integrated solar panels directly into the lid.

Solar panels being moved in a manufacturing facility.

PastryShop/Shutterstock.com

However, there are a few drawbacks to using solar power that’s built into your laptop.

For one thing, using a laptop in direct sunlight is a challenge.

Even the latest screens are barely readable outside at maximum brightness, rather defeating the point.

NC 215S Solar Laptop

Samsung

Related:Whatever Happened to Those Home Nuclear Reactors?

Do Laptops Need Solar Power?

Related:Laptop Fuel Cells Were the Next Big Thing: What Happened?

The 2020 M1 MacBook Air.

mama_mia/Shutterstock.com

Even AC power devices are covered if you have a solar generator equipped with an inverter.

This versatile 140W solar charger can keep your laptop charged or charge up a battery for night-time use.

Laptops keep becoming less power-hungry, and solar panels become more efficient yearly.

51KvJ7SthqL.<em>SL500</em>

This versatile 140W solar charger can keep your laptop charged or charge up a battery for night-time use.

New battery technology is also emerging, allowing for faster charging and larger capacities.