Abstract: A solar-powered thermoelectric generator is provided that includes a solar collector, a light absorbing and heat generating element having an elongated shape, where a first end of the light absorbing and heat generating element is configured to absorb light from the solar collector, where the absorbed light converts to heat in the light absorbing and heat generating element, where the light absorbing and heat generating element is configured to form a thermal gradient along a length of the light absorbing and heat generating element from the first end of the light absorbing and heat generating element to a second end of the light absorbing and heat generating element, and a plurality of thermoelectric generators disposed along the light absorbing and heat generating element, where the first end of the light absorbing and heat generating element is hotter than the second end of the light absorbing and heat generating element.