The solar powered Antarctic explorers

Robert Swan - the first ever explorer to walk to both the north and the south pole - has demonstrated just how effective solar power can be.

During a two week expedition to the Antarctic, a group led by Swan used only solar power for all their energy needs.

Enough electricity was produced to power satellite, digital and video conferences in spite of bad weather conditions which meant little sunlight.

The solar panels for the ‘E-Base Goes Live’ project were designed and manufactured by Cardiff-based G24 Innovations (G24i).

The dye-sensitised thin film panels are lightweight, and do not require direct sunlight to produce power.

They can be used in doors, producing power using the light coming in through the window.

The company says that they are the first dye-sensitised solar panels in the world suitable for commercial use.

The panels could be used to power buildings, but its designers say that they could be used far more effectively and efficiently.

They would like to see the panels being built into clothes and backpacks, and used as portable chargers for mobile phones and laptops.