Annie Ostojic
Munster, IN
Age 15
Every year, 180,000 tons of battery waste are dumped into US landfills. Use of rechargeable batteries is a partial solution, since charging batteries through standard methods uses grid electricity, contributes to fossil fuels depletion, and increases greenhouse gas emissions. This invention reduces battery disposal through its recharging method, while recyling indoor light as an energy alternative. The invention is comprised of a dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell, engineered reflector, and battery holder. The invention geometrically reflects indoor light toward a photovoltaic cell thereby harvesting energy that recharges connected batteries. Charging times vary based upon room light sources available for harvesting and battery capacities.