The Solio Universal Hybrid Solar Charger: Clean, Green, Free Energy For All Your Gadgets

Solio is the name for a range of portable solar chargers made by Better Energy Systems. Founded in 2001, BES employs leading designers and engineers who are passionate about "energy equality" - the belief that everyone, regardless of geography or economic means, is entitled to clean, renewable energy.

With a commitment to the highest technical and environmental standards, Solio products have won a string of awards including"

MacWorld: "Best Of Show " 2005

Travel+Leisure Design Awards: "Best Travel Gadget " 2007

National Geographic: "Best of Adventure Gear" 2008

Garmin T3 Gadget Award : "Green Gadgets " 2008

Rugged And Versatile

Solio chargers can be used with over 3000 different electronic gadgets. You can charge your iPhone, MP3 player, digital camera, games console or just about any portable electronic device that uses a battery. Solio are also working on a charger which will work with more power hungry items such as a laptop.

Solio chargers are rugged and weather resistant to withstand regular outdoor use. An ideal traveling companion, giving you a constant source of power but also removing the need to carry multiple chargers for all your devices.

All Solio products feature world class engineering and are designed to be 'earth friendly' for easy dismantling and recycling.

In order to connect to the myriad of electronic devices, the Solio uses a system of interchangeable adaptors to interface with any one of the 3000+ compatible gadgets.

This enables all the Solio devices to work with the most popular gadgets on the market inlcuding the iPhone, iPod, digital cameras and games consoles like the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.

Solio uses two systems for connecting your device. Depending on which model you choose, you can use Solio's own adaptors or alternatively, you ca use the popular iGo adaptor system.

Solio Charging Adaptor Tips

In order to use your Solio, you will need a compatible adaptor. Each Solio charger comes with a single adaptor tip of your choice. To extend the compatibility of your Solio charger, you can buy additional connector tips and cables for just any portable device.

iGo Charging System

Solio chargers with the "i" designation can use the popular iGo system. iGo is a patented technology which solves the problem of having to carry separate power adaptors to charge all your devices. Simply select the appropriate iGo tip for your camera, phone etc and plug into the Solio for power on the go anywhere. The iGo technology uses intelligent circuitry to automatically regulate the correct voltage for your device ensuring you get the maximum possible benefit from your Solio. 

Universal and Hybrid  

All Solio chargers are known as 'hybrid' devices. As well as storing energy from the sun, they can also draw power from a computers' USB port or a mains power socket. This energy is stored in the rechargeable battery and can be used for up to a year later!

The amount of charge you get depends on which Solio model you choose and how hungry your device is. As a guideline, one hour of solar charging will get you 20 minutes talk time on your phone or 50 minutes of music listening on your iPod.

Three Models To Choose From

Solio currently produce 4 types of charger, Classic, Magnesium, Mono and the H1000 (RocStar). Here's a look at each type.

With over one million units sold, the Classic Universal Hybrid Charger is the original and bestselling Solio.

It features a unique folding design. To use the solar panels, unfold the blades and the high efficiency cells will start charging immediately. An intelligent charging circuit ensures you get the maximum efficiency from the Ni-mH rechargeable battery. The battery can hold store power for up to 12 months, perfect for emergency situations.

When you want to charge from a USB or wall socket, the Classic folds up into a compact and convenient size.

Using 3 separate solar cells, the Classic can provide up to 4.8 watts of power, and is compatible with over 3200 electronic devices.

The latest version is 20% more powerful than the original Solio Classic and comes in a range of colors including shocking pink!

The Solio Mag (Magnesium Edition) takes the concept of the Classic and puts it on steroids. Featuring a super-strong magnesium alloy shell, it is resistant to damage from heat and impact. It is also water resistant ,although it's not advisable to try it out underwater!

A long-life 3.7 volt 1800mAh battery provides up to 8 watts of power, with a 4-12V, 0-1.5A output range.

This top of the line solar charger can provide two full charges to your phone. Icluded in the magnesium package are you mag charger, a female USB cable, an iGo charging cable, a universal wall adaptor and a Solio branded wooden pencil to align your charger correctly to the sun.

Please note that the Mag version is not compatible with the Classic range of adaptor tips.

The Mono Hybrid is the baby of the Solio charger range. Weighing only 78g, it features a single high efficiency solar cell and a long-life 1000Amh battery.

The Mono Hybrid is perfect for the green, energy conscious gadget lover. Its compact size is perfect for throwing into a bag or pocket. When fully charged it will provide over 3 hours talk time for your phone.

The Solio H1000 (aka the RocStar) is the perfect portable solar charger for anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle. 

The H1000 is constructed from Lexan, a polycarbonate material used in space helmets and bulletproff windows, so it will withstand the toughest of impacts.

It also features a built-in Caribiner clip, the type of fixing that mountain climbers use to attach ropes and equipment. This means you can safely attach the RocStar to your baggage, beltloop or even a bicycle whilst travelling without worrying about it falling off.

The H1000 hybrid universal charger comes in dark grey or bright orange so you'll find it hard to misplace!