A system for supplying voltage to a downhole component is disclosed. The system includes: a pyroelectric material disposed in electrical communication with the component, the component configured to be disposed within a borehole in an earth formation; and a heating unit in operable communication with the pyroelectric material and configured to change a temperature of the pyroelectric material and cause the pyroelectric material to generate a voltage to activate the component. A method of supplying voltage to a downhole component is also disclosed.