How many of us have spent weeks rubbing together the batteries of our TV remotes to get a bit more life out of them before finally biting the bullet and buying some new ones?

This could soon be an irritation of the past, thanks to miniature solar panels.

Scientists have discovered a way to turbocharge the efficiency with which solar panels can convert indoor light into electricity , paving the way for tiny solar cells to be used in place of batteries for a range of home electronics – including radios, keyboards and smoke alarms.

The scientists behind the project are in talks with developers and say that, if all goes according to plan, the first of this new generation of solar-powered sensors, alarms and remote controls could start to become available in the shops within two to thre

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