These days, RF devices (wireless controllers) use just one-tenth the power of most controllers. This is achieved by harvesting ambient energy such as the mechanical energy from operating a light switch, or the stray photovoltaic energy from ambient lighting. Wireless controllers can therefore operate entirely without batteries, saving materials and energy, and avoiding waste from battery production and disposal.

Because hard wiring is not required, these advanced controls may become more widely used, resulting in significant building energy savings.