New Green solar elements appear on Garmin Instinct

There has been a subtle but intriguing change in the latest Garmin Instinct 2 models. If you return your device and swap it for a new one – you’ll notice that the solar panels, previously displaying a reddish hue, now appear green (image above). What could be the reason for this?

One prevailing theory is that this change might be related to the efficiency of the solar panels – a potential shift in the photovoltaic material used in the panels. Solar technology has come a long way, and color can sometimes indicate differences in the type of materials used, which could affect how well the panels convert sunlight into usable energy. Red and green panels, for example, might absorb different wavelengths of light, leading to variations in their overall performance.

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Another theory is that the change in solar panel colour is linked to a shift in suppliers. Sometimes, manufacturers opt for different materials or production methods due to supply chain constraints, cost optimizations, or improvements in component quality. If this is the case, it might not necessarily mean a significant change in the solar panel’s performance. Rather, it could simply be a matter of adapting to new manufacturing processes.


It’s all about battery life…

When all is said and done, for most users, the main question lies in battery life. A frequent complaint about the Garmin solar models, both old and new, is that real-world battery performance often falls short of the company’s stated specifications. Solar charging is a significant part of the appeal of these watches, especially for those who rely on their devices during long adventures away from power sources. If the green solar panels indeed offer improved efficiency, this could mean that Garmin has made an effort to address these battery life concerns.

Garmin’s silence on the matter might simply be a sign that this change isn’t meant to be headline-worthy or that they are content letting user experiences shape the narrative. But given the ongoing discussions online, it could be in Garmin’s interest to clarify whether this change has any impact on performance.

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Ivan Jovin

Ivan has been a tech journalist for over 7 years now, covering all kinds of technology issues. He is the guy who gets to dive deep into the latest wearable tech news.

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