I purchased a Solio solar charger in 2006 in preparation for an upcoming trip to Mauritania, West Africa.
The Solio is a compact solar device with three solar panels that fan out to catch the suns rays and then neatly fold together for travel.
The Solio's internal battery is user replaceable and lasts roughly two years.
I used my Solio daily in Africa to charge my ipod as well as my family's electrical devices and it worked like a charm!
It charges quickly in direct Africa sun but I also take it with me when I go camping in Oregon and as long as you periodically rotate it so it's facing the sun it works just fine in cloudy Oregon as well.
I recently had to finally replace the battery in my Solio and sent away for a replacement from the company.
The replacement battery was in the 15 dollar range and was delivered within a week of ordering. Replacing the battery was a little tricky as the screws are teensy, but the instructions online and also included in the original packaging are very clear and easy to follow.
I was disappointed when the new battery refused to hold a charge and the Solio began flashing an angry red when I tried to charge it, so I emailed Solio to inquire about repairs.
The company is beyond professional.
I had a reply the next day inquiring further information.They had a few questions that I answered and then the following day they sent me a claim number and shipping information.
I shipped my Solio off hoping for repairs and was pleasantly surprised to receive a brand new Solio two weeks later!
All in all, I have to give a heady thumbs up to Solio. It's a sturdy, well made product that won't end up in a landfill like so many disposable power options (battery packs and the like) .
The company stands behind their product and have made it about as versatile as you could want by including adapter tips for just about every ipod and cell phone made.
It can be charged by the sun, by USB or by plugging it into a standard outlet if the sun is absent. A fully charged Solio will charge a 5th generation iPod video twice.
The Solio is compact, roughly the size of an eyeglass case and very lightweight even when all the accessories are included.
As a consumer friendly way to go green, it's a great start!
