Sun-power your appliances

Soon you could charge any appliance with solar power. The Solio Solar Charger can fuel up virtually any low-voltage portable device directly from the sun. Or you can charge its battery to have power on hand after the sun sets. In a range of adapter tips (including a mini-USB) for phones, PDAs, and similar devices Solio takes about eight hours to fully absorb sun rays to charge all handheld electronic products at home or on the move, literally anywhere under the sun. 

Manufacturer of portable renewable energy products, Better Energy Systems, launched the Solio Communicator at Mobile World Congress 2009 at Barcelona last week. Designed to be the ultimate in 'Eco-mobility', the Solio Communicator uses the sun's energy to provide virtually unlimited talk-time.

Eliminating the need for complex inbuilt car kits and suited to those who would prefer not to use a Bluetooth headset, the devise offers an environmentally friendly hands-free option that enables users to enjoy the functionality of a mobile phone safely and legally while driving.

It uses an integrated solar panel to soak up the sunlight and store it within its internal lithium-ion battery, which the manufacturer says can hold its charge for up to a year. Ultra portable devise, weighing only 150 grams, sits comfortably on a dashboard, visor, window or flat surface using a versatile mounting system.

A high fidelity directional microphone ensures that audio quality is at its maximum clarity for making or receiving calls. Whether using it while driving, or as a portable speakerphone, it gives executives, frequent travelers and consumers the convenience of hands-free mobile communication powered by the sun.

The devise works as a hybrid accepting power from the sun as well as an adaptor. This energy is then stacked off within Solio's internal rechargeable battery. This energy can then be used to power gadgets at the same rate as a wall adapter as it can hold the charge for up to a year.

Solio limits the users' need to purchase and carry around multiple chargers and can charge up products from cell phones and iPods, to digital cameras, game players, and GPS.

A fully charged Solio Classic will charge a typical mobile phone more than twice or give over 20 hours of iPod music. moreover, it works as an emergency power source when away from power outlets.

Solio features a fan-blade design that allows it to achieve maximum solar area when in use. Spreading out the blades to face direct sunlight either outdoors or fixed to a window is said to be enough.

Solio will be launched in three models with varying battery capacity and designby mid 2009 at an expected retail price of EUR79.99.