an infrared remote controller is provided with power by a capacitor supplied by an electrical power supply preferably including a photovoltaic panel which converts light into electricity . a main switch closes the circuit between the power capacitor and the controller . an interface circuit having at least one diode , but preferably at least two in parallel to minimize resistance , connects the power supply to the capacitor . this interface circuit may also include a power level testing circuit , preferably one utilizing a light emitting diode . a rechargeable battery may be included in the power source for greater power reserve . a voltage reference or voltage regulator is recommended between the capacitor and the infrared remote controller . the sizing of the capacitor in accordance with the consumption requirements of an infrared remote controller and the operating voltage enables a very simple circuit overall . comparatively quick recovery times between uses of the remote controller are enabled by the capacitor . the combination of the capacitor powered infrared remote controller and the reserve power provided by a rechargeable cell minimizes both the size of the photovoltaic panel and the size of the device overall .