Intel unveils computer with solar-powered processor

Intel today unveiled a computer with a processor running on a postage stamp-size cell powered by solar energy, showcasing the chip-maker's efforts to look beyond boundaries to reduce power consumption by computers.

Intel president and chief executive officer Paul Otellini demonstrated the platform during his keynote speech at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2011, in San Francisco.

He said the chip developed by Intel researchers draws power from solar cell the size of a postage stamp.

The computer's CPU draws sufficient power to run animation and other Windows-based computing processes from two small overhead reading lamps.

"The proof-of-concept design delivers robust Intel architecture-based computing performance while addressing remote power and connectivity requirements. In addition to its extremely low power consumption of under five watts in active mode, the platform supports advanced power management capabilities that drop power consumption in sleep mode to as low as one-tenth of a watt. Its low power consumption enables the system to run off solar photovoltaic power, with battery backup for night operation," Intel said in a website release. 

However, other parts of the computer except the processor are powered through traditional mode.