Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Google TV is getting a fresh take on remote power with a new indoor solar remote design. The point is simple: keep the remote charged using everyday room lighting, so you’re less likely to hunt for batteries or notice performance drops at the worst time.
Below is a practical, no-fluff guide to what the indoor solar approach changes, how to set it up, and how to troubleshoot the most common “why isn’t it charging?” problems when the lighting in your home isn’t ideal.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s new: Google TV’s indoor solar remote redesign
The headline is the indoor-focused solar redesign. Instead of relying only on strong sunlight, the remote is built to charge from ambient indoor light sources—so it can top up in typical living-room conditions like lamps, daylight through windows, and overhead lighting.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat “new design” usually means in practice: improved solar panel placement/coverage, refined materials so light capture is more consistent, and clearer user feedback (like indicator behavior) when the remote is charging.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Support TV Models】RC813 remote Only for TCL Google Smart TV 65QM850G 75QM850G 85QM850G 98QM850G 98QM851G 85QM851G 75QM851G 65QM851G 115QM891G 98QM751G 85QM751G 75QM751G 65QM751G 55QM751G 98S550G 43S551G 50S551G 55S551G 65S551G 75S551G 85S551G 75S571G 65S571G 55S571G 43S571G 55S470G 43S470G 50S470G 58S470G 65S470G 70S470G 75S470G 85S470G 43S450G 50S450G 55S450G 58S450G 65S450G 75S450G 85S450G 50S45G 32S370G 40S370G 43S370G 32S250G 55Q750G, 65Q750G 75Q750G 85Q750G 55Q670G 65Q670G 75Q670G 85Q670G 85Q650G 75Q650G 65Q650G 55Q650G 43Q651G 50Q651G 55Q651G 65Q651G 75Q651G 85Q651G 98Q651G 85Q681G 75Q681G 65Q681G 55Q681G 55Q550G 50Q550G 65Q550G 50Q570G 55Q570G 65Q570G 75Q570G etc.
- 【No Pairing Required】Replacement remote control compatible with TCL RC813 remote, no programming and no pairing needed, just put 2*AAA batteries in and it will work immediately. (Note: Batteries and manual are not included) (Not for TCL Roku TVs) (Not for TCL Fire TVs)
- 【Stable & High-Quality】 Strongest signal by Infrared technology further transmission for multi-angle induction. Precisely control far from 12 meters/40 feet.Fastest response not over 0.2 second to your TV, It supports over 120,000 clicks approved test
- 【6 Popular Shortcut Keys】One key quickly access to popular streaming channels --- NFLX, p-video, YouTube, Channel, Dis and Apple TV. Save you searching time and enjoy a good leisure time faster
- We test it before delivery to make sure it's working. If you are caught in some problems when using our products, welcome to contact us at any time. We are committed to providing you with a satisfactory solution promptly.
How an indoor solar remote actually charges
Solar remotes convert light into electrical power through a small photovoltaic (PV) surface. That energy is then stored in an internal rechargeable cell, allowing the remote to run like a normal battery-powered accessory—except the battery is continuously topped up by the room’s light.
What counts as “indoor light”
Indoor light is anything bright enough to create a useful electrical output at the PV surface. In most homes, that includes:
- Incandescent and LED ceiling lights
- Table lamps with typical household bulbs
- Daylight coming through curtains (even when it’s not “bright sunshine”)
How much light is enough
Instead of chasing exact lux values, focus on whether your remote stays responsive over the course of a week without special charging. If your remote is used in a consistently lit room (for example, living room lighting during evenings), the indoor solar design is intended to keep the internal charge stable.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If it’s frequently used in a near-dark setting, you’ll see the typical solar-remote behavior: slower charging and quicker perceived drain.
What to expect from the updated design
A solar remote redesign is mostly about reliability. The biggest day-to-day differences are how quickly it recovers after periods of low light and whether it gives you feedback that charging is happening.
Ergonomics and button layout
With solar panels taking space on the back or around the rear surface, designers typically reshape the rear housing and refine grip zones. The goal is to keep button reach comfortable while preserving light-capture coverage.
If you’re coming from an older battery-only remote, you may notice the solar surface feels slightly different (finish texture, sheen, or a broader panel outline).
Charging behavior vs. battery-only remotes
Battery remotes measure “life” in hours until the battery drops. Solar remotes measure “life” in your lighting pattern. If you leave the remote lying in a lit spot, it usually behaves like a “set it and forget it” accessory.
Rank #2
- 【Compatibility】Voice replacement for white Google-Chromecast-Remote, for Chromecast with Google TV Remote, for Google TV HD/4K Streaming Stick, for Google TV Streamer (4K). Only for Snow Chromecast Google!!
- 【Incompatible Devices】NOT Compatible with Google Chromecast lst Gen, NOT for Google Chromecast 2nd Gen, NOT for Google Chromecast 3rd Gen, NOT for Chromecast Ultra, NOT for Chromecast Audio
- 【Easy to Pair】Pair your new remote ①Press the pairing button on your device; ②Press and hold the"Back" and "Home" buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds until the LED on your new remote starts flashing
- 【Voice Control】Pressing the voice button on the remote, you can use voice to search for specific shows, or by mood, genre, actress, and more. Talk to Google and say, "What should I watch?" And use the remote to control the volume switch inputs, play music, and get answers on-screen
- 【Preferred Features】The replacement remote for Google Chromecast TV has 2 shortcut buttons for popular streaming channels,and needs to install new 2*AAA batteries to use(batteries are NOT included in package)
If you keep it in a drawer or behind the TV in a dark nook, expect the rechargeable cell to gradually decline.
Gallery: design walkthrough (what you’ll notice)
This section is written as a quick gallery guide: look for these physical cues on the new indoor solar remote design.
Solar panel placement
Most indoor solar remotes place the PV surface on the back (rear face) and/or across a panel area that’s exposed when the remote is resting on a couch arm or table. Placement matters because it changes how much light the remote collects while you’re not actively using it.
Surface finish and light absorption
To improve indoor charging, the surface finish is often tuned for reflectance and visibility under room lighting. You might notice a subtle pattern, matte area, or a defined solar “window” texture.
Remote silhouette and grip points
When solar coverage increases, manufacturers typically adjust the back contour. The goal: even if the solar region takes up more area, your thumb and palm still land in comfortable grip points.
LED/charging indicators
Some versions include an indicator light or a behavior you can observe when charging. If the remote provides feedback, it’s usually most noticeable after you place it in a brighter room for a short period (rather than after days in darkness).
Setup: pairing, initial charge, and daily use
Even with solar charging, the remote still needs to be paired to your Google TV device and used normally. The solar part mostly affects what happens after unboxing.
Pairing the remote
If your remote pairs automatically, you’ll just follow on-screen prompts. If it doesn’t, pair it from the Google TV device settings:
Rank #3
- 【Compatibility】Replacement for white Google-Chromecast-Remote, for Snow Chromecast with Google TV HD/4K & Google TV Streamer 4K.
- 【Voice Search】Pressing the voice button on the remote, not only can you use voice search to find your favourite entertainment, but you can also use voice to control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers on-screen
- 【EASY TO PAIR】Pair your new remote in just two steps: ①. Press the pairing button on your device; ②. Press and hold the Back and Home buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds until the LED on your new remote starts flashing
- 【BATTERIES COMPATIBLE】Insert 2 * AAA batteries. (Package not included batteries)
- 【FEATURES】32ft Range, 0.2s Response, 120K+ Clicks Tested. Features Anti-Slip Dot Design & Multi-Angle Control for Stable Operation.
- On your Google TV home screen, open Settings.
- Go to Remotes & Accessories.
- Select Add accessory (or Set up remote, depending on the UI).
- Press the pairing button on the remote (if present) or follow the on-screen instructions to complete pairing.
Getting a first successful charge
After pairing, place the remote in a bright room location where the rear solar surface receives ambient light. A good default is a spot near a lamp or where daylight spills in from a window.
If you’re testing, avoid placing it face-down in a cabinet. Indoor solar relies on the light hitting the PV surface.
Best practices to keep the remote charged
Think of this remote like a small energy harvester. You don’t need to “charge” it in the classic sense; you need consistent exposure.
Recommended Free Tools
Place it near a light source (without cooking it)
Use stable indoor light sources. Keep it away from heating vents or direct scorching sunlight for long periods, especially if your living room gets intense midday sun through glass.
Use consistent room lighting
If you watch TV mostly in the evening, leaving the remote near a lamp can keep the internal charge topped up overnight. Changing rooms often can break that routine.
Avoid “dark corners” and thick curtains
If the remote spends most of its time behind the TV, inside a media cabinet, or in a dark shelf, indoor solar will struggle. Move the remote to a table or arm where light can reach the rear solar surface.
Troubleshooting: when the solar remote doesn’t behave
When solar remotes fail to perform, the root cause is usually one of three things: low light exposure, pairing issues, or a firmware/UI mismatch. Work through these checks in order.
Symptom: remote won’t respond
- Move the remote into a brighter area for 10–20 minutes.
- Try basic navigation buttons again (Home, Back, and volume keys if available).
- From the Google TV device, verify the remote is listed under Remotes & Accessories.
- If the remote is missing, re-run Add accessory.
If it still fails, remove and reinsert any pairing-related steps (some setups require holding a pairing button for several seconds).
Rank #4
- Voice search function:Press the for Google Assistant button on the remote to use your audible to find your favorite content, control volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, quickly search thousands of popular channels, and play entertainment by voice.
- Sensing Distance: Excellent response between the new G9N9N remote control and the TV with an optimal distance of 5 meters. Maximum length is 10 meters.
- High quality:The G9N9N Replacement telecontrol Control is made of high quality ABS with no odor, lightweight and ergonomic design makes it very comfortable with soft and very responsive buttons. Combining the functionality and performance of the original remote control, with all the basic buttons and functions you can easily control your for Google Chromecast 4K Snow with a stable signal and comfortable grip.
- Easy pairing:Press the Chromecast button to turn on pairing mode and notify you via the TV screen. Next press and hold the BACK and HOME buttons at the same time until the light on the remote starts blinking, release the buttons when the light comes on and the remote pairing is complete.
- Applicable models:G9N9N Replacement telecontrol for Chromecast (for Google TV), Chromecast for Google TV, for GA01409-US, GA01920-US, GA01923-US, GA01919-US, GA02463-Us, GA02464-US requires Chromecast (for Google TV).
Symptom: charging indicator never changes
- Confirm you’re placing the remote with the solar surface facing the room light. Many remotes charge primarily from the rear face.
- Try a different light source (for example, switch from a dim lamp to the overhead light).
- Check for a bright obstruction: a TV screen, furniture edge, or closed curtain can block the light the PV surface needs.
If the indicator stays unchanged after moving to a brighter room, remove the remote from service and attempt re-pairing. In some cases, the remote may appear “dead” while actually connected but not receiving proper power management.
Symptom: battery drains fast in the same room
- Increase ambient brightness temporarily (turn on overhead light) and observe whether responsiveness improves within the next session.
- Reduce “dark time” between uses. Leaving it in a lit spot between viewing sessions helps.
- Remove the remote from enclosed cabinets. Indoor solar usually needs open, direct-ish ambient illumination.
If you live in a low-light apartment or a basement setup, you may need a consistent charging routine (for example, placing the remote near a lamp every day).
Symptom: pairing keeps failing
- Restart the Google TV device.
- Go to Settings → Remotes & Accessories and remove the old/failed entry if it exists.
- Re-run Add accessory and keep the remote close to the device during pairing (within a few feet).
Solar charging doesn’t affect pairing directly, but a low-charge remote can behave unpredictably during the handshake process.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Compatibility and what you should check
Not every Google TV remote is interchangeable. The indoor solar design is tied to specific remote models and certain Google TV device generations.
Which Google TV devices are typically supported
In practical terms, solar remotes are usually paired with Google TV dongles and streamers that use the modern Android TV / Google TV remote control stack. If you have a Google TV device with a matching remote included at purchase, you’re on the right track.
If you’re buying a replacement remote, verify the exact remote model number shown in product listings and in your device’s Remotes & Accessories screen.
Regional and model differences
Remote layouts can vary by region (language support, mic availability, TV power controls). The solar hardware may be similar, but the button map and pairing profile can differ.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Comparison: solar remote vs. battery remote
Battery remotes are predictable but create recurring maintenance. Solar remotes shift maintenance into a light-exposure habit.
Best Value
- 【COMPATIBILITY】 Voice Remote Replacement for Google TV Streamer 4K Remote, for Chromecast with Google TV Remote(4K/HD).
- 【VOICE INTERACTION】Control your entertainment hands-free with Google Chromecast Remote—powered by voice interaction. Just speak to search shows, adjust volume, or launch apps instantly.
- 【QUICK PAIR】Quick 2-Step Pairing①Press the button on the back of your Google device ②Hold "Back" + "Home" on the remote for 10 seconds until the LED flashes.
- 【SHORTCUT KEYS】Upgrade your streaming experience with replacement remote featuring dedicated YouTube and Netflx buttons.
- 【RAPID RESPONSE】26 feet long-distance remote control, 0.2 seconds fast response, 50,000 times presses for durability, requires 2 * AAA batteries. (Batteries not included in package)
Pros and cons
| Category | Indoor Solar Remote | Battery Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Low: depends on light exposure | Regular: periodic battery replacement |
| Performance in low light | Can degrade if stored in dark areas | Usually consistent until batteries are dead |
| Power management | Topped up over time | Fixed capacity per battery set |
| Best home setup | Rooms with steady ambient lighting | Basements, offices, dark theaters |
When battery remotes are still the better choice
If your viewing setup is in a consistently dim room and you can’t leave the remote exposed to ambient light, a battery remote may feel more reliable. Batteries also avoid the “charging doesn’t happen” frustration if you frequently store the remote away from light.
FAQ
Does the indoor solar remote charge in complete darkness?
No. Solar charging requires light reaching the PV surface. If the remote is stored in a drawer or behind a TV with minimal light spill, it won’t replenish reliably.
Can I use the remote while it’s charging?
In most cases, yes. Solar charging is intended to top up the internal cell over time. You can still use the remote normally while it’s exposed to indoor light.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What’s the fastest way to recover a low-charge solar remote?
Place it where the rear solar surface gets bright ambient light (for example, near an active lamp) and wait 10–20 minutes. Then test key inputs and confirm the remote responds consistently.
Will it pair to my Google TV device if the battery is low?
Low charge can interfere with pairing reliability. If pairing fails, brighten the environment, wait briefly, then re-run Remotes & Accessories → Add accessory with the remote held close to the device.
Do I need special chargers or cables?
That’s the point of the design: it’s meant to be powered by indoor light. If your specific remote model includes a charging port or optional charging accessory, follow the included instructions—but for most users, ambient room light is the workflow.
Bottom Line
The new indoor solar remote design for Google TV is about reducing battery anxiety by turning your room’s lighting into a steady power source. If you keep the remote in a normal, lit living space, it should feel like a “set-and-forget” remote instead of a disposable battery cycle.
When it doesn’t behave—typically due to low light exposure—fixing it is usually as simple as changing where the remote rests and re-validating pairing from Remotes & Accessories.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
