Solar USB charger for backpacks
US-based research group Skajaquoda has launched a flexible solar panel with a USB charger that can be mounted on backpacks, camera straps and even bikes.
The group has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its product and has pledged to raise $15,000 by September 2014.
Sun Strap features a USB charger for smartphones, cameras and tablets. It has a built-in 5600 mAh battery with a 5 V/1 A USB output, LED battery indicator and 5 V/1 A micro USB input. The lightweight charger - weighing 165 grams with a size of 7.6 x 38 cm - is suitable for outdoor activities.
Sun Strap is made from weather- and water-resistant fabric and can be used when hiking, golfing, cycling, travelling; at school; at the beach; at a music festival; or doing outdoor photography.
“When we looked at other solar products we found most of them to be unattractive or inconvenient to carry around or spent most of their time inside a bag away from the sun. We wanted to design something that is always exposed to the sun, charges automatically as you go about your day and is appealing and more comfortable than what currently exists,” said Agust Agustsson, vice president at Skajaquoda.
Skajaquoda hopes to deliver the products in December.
Sodium-ion battery breakthrough boosts energy storage
Scientists have discovered that leaving water inside a key material, rather than removing it,...
Setting a new standard for solar efficiency testing
Researchers from Simon Fraser University have proposed a new framework to standardise testing of...
Magnesium battery prototype operates at room temperature
Researchers have developed a prototype rechargeable magnesium battery that demonstrates stable,...
