Replace your pile of battery-hungry remotes with this universal solar-powered remote

Hama has announced a new 8-in-1 universal remote that could streamline your home entertainment system and save you the occasional search for a new set of batteries. The German accessory maker uses Exeger’s Powerfoyle solar cell technology, so the remote stays powered as long as it’s regularly exposed to light.

Details about what types of remotes the Hama 8-in-1 might replace haven’t been revealed yet, but the power generated by a solar cell on top of the remote is stored in a supercapacitor instead of a battery. The remote is expected to be available from Q2 2025 for €29.99, or about $33 SSD.

The company also plans to release an alternative to Samsung’s own solar-powered Bluetooth remote at the same time, priced at 39.99 euros, or about $47 USD. Ham’s version replicates all the features of Samsung’s remote, including voice assistance, but puts the solar panel on the top of the remote instead of the bottom, so you don’t have to remember to turn it over to keep it powered up.

Unlike solar panels used to charge large backup batteries, which work best in direct sunlight, Exeger’s solar technology can power smaller devices using ambient light in a room, even if it’s just from a lamp. The company’s Powerfoyle flexible solar cells have already been integrated into products like wireless headphones, earphones, and speakers by companies like Urbanista, but they’re particularly well-suited to devices like remote controls, which have much lower power draws.