Solar Focus Solar Duo
Flexible Solar Charger for Your E-Goods
The coolest thing about the Solar Focus Solar Duo is that it is thin. Like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen thin. Thanks to Solar Focus’s design and use of “triple junction amorphous silicon photovoltaic technology” which is different from standard solar panels they are able to get the size down to just 1mm (millimeter) thick. However, thinness is not all that it has…
The Benefits of Solar Focus’s Technology:
- Don’t lose charging performance at high temperatures. Did you know that typical solar panels lose charging effectiveness at temperatures over 77 degrees fahrenheit? This means that above this temperature even if it is really sunny, you won’t be able to charge as fast.
- Light and Flexible. Not only is it 1mm thick, but it’s also flexible at the same time. Instead of using glass to protect the panels it uses a DuPont Fluoropolymer film which helps reduce the weight meaning less weight to carry on those extended hikes.
- Charges in the shadows. Compared to conventional solar panels, Solar Focus panels charge 3 times better in “shadowy” low light conditions . This means if you happen to live in gloomy places like London, you still can get your charge on.
How Solar Duo Works:
It’s pretty simple how it works. Each Solar Duo comes with a solar panel array which unfolds and you can attach to whatever you like. For example this bicycle.
This array is plugged into a battery pack that accepts rechargable NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries. As the you leave the the solar array out in the sun it recharges the batteries.
When you need to recharge one of your devices you simply plug it into the battery pack and PRESTO! You are well on your way to charging your cell phone or iPod Touch.
Common Questions:
- How long does it take to charge? In full sun 5 hours. On a cloudy day 10 hours. This translates to a 30 minutes charge giving you 10 hours standby time or 20 minutes talk time on a typical cell phone. However, just like notebook computer battery times, they probably are not as great as stated.
- What kind of devices can I charge? 5 to 6 volt electronics. This includes iPod/iPhone, Sony PSP’s, bluetooth headsets, mp3 players, etc…
- What kind of cell phones does it charge? In the Solar Duo user manual they list all the compatible phone manufacturers they support via the included adapters. The companies included are Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, LG, and Sony Ericsson.
- How do I charge different devices? The Solar Duo comes with 10 different attachments to connect the battery pack to your electronic gizmos and gadgets. The battery pack also accepts regular usb or mini usb cords.
FuncFash-ness: 6/10
- Functional: 4.5/5 (Flexible, light, and durable…can you ask for more?)
- Fashionable: 1.5/5 (Definitely not as good looking as the Solio Magnesium, but it still gets the job done)
Where to Buy:
- REI: Solar Duo $99.95 (last updated 7-24-09)
- Eastern Mountain Sports: Solar Duo $100 (last updated 7-24-09)
- Solar Focus Webstore (solarmio.com): Solar Duo £70 (last updated 7-24-09)
Features:
- Solar panel and battery pack weigh 140g which is less than half a pound (.31 lbs to be exact)
- Charges 5 volt or 6 volt electronic devices (mp3 players, iphones/ipods, cell phones, gps’s, etc..)
- 5 hour typical charging time
- 30 minute charge gives 10 hour standby and 20 minutes talk on typical cell phone
- 1mm thick, flexible, durable and uses no glass
- Bendable, scratch proof, extreme temperature tolerant panels
If you like this kind of stuff subscribe to the RSS feed or get it delivered through email 
Or follow us on Twitter.
Related posts:
- Solio Magnesium Solar Charger
- FFPI #6: DIY Car Solar Sunshade
- Solar Vest Man to the Rescue!
- Charge Your Phone with Water…Soon
- Fueltank: The Callpod Portable Charger
