CHICAGO — NEC Display Solutions of America announced a solar-powered system for use with all its monitors. The solar-powered system is designed to produce approximately 293 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, or 800 watts per day. By running a display monitor off solar power, the need for standard electricity, which is produced by means of non-renewable energy sources, will be significantly reduced and, in some cases, nearly eliminated.

Saved solar energy can last for days of normal usage when running a typical LCD monitor. Multiple monitors can be run simultaneously. The run time of a battery would vary depending on usage and the number of devices drawing on the power.

"Using solar power not only significantly reduces electricity costs, but it also reduces environmentally harmful emissions," said Richard Atanus, vice president of engineering, technical and environmental services for NEC Display Solutions.

This article is excerpted from Self Service World published on Jan 3, 2007.