Solio Earns Distinction of Being Named Vodafone’s Preferred Solar Charger Supplier
Berkeley, Calif (MMD Newswire) November 18, 2009 — Solio®, the world’s first and most popular mobile solar charger, today announced that it has been named Vodafone’s preferred global supplier of solar chargers. With 1.5 billion new cell phone subscribers projected globally over the next four years, many of them coming from power-challenged places such as Africa and India, Solio chargers provide mobile power to charge cell phones and LED lights. Solio’s Vodafone-customized model, the Vodafone Mono-VTM, adheres to Vodafone’s strict quality and safety requirements and is specially configured to support the company’s branded phones. Vodafone sought the partnership with Solio and its parent company, Better Energy Systems, in order to offer its consumers true mobility, especially in these power-challenged markets.
Solio can be described as a “personal power plant” that utilizes the
latest solar and battery technology to capture, store and deliver
solar energy to a mobile phone or portable light. This personal
power source is important for mobile users throughout the world and
can bring in measurable cost savings. For customers in Africa, in
particular, Solio will save an average of $85 dollars per year.
Mobile network usage is expected to increase as phones will be
able to be used even when there are power cuts.
“Our mission is to provide one of the most important services in the
developing world: mobile power. We deliver this service by
producing the most reliable solar powered products in the world,”
said Chris Hornor, CEO and Founder of Better Energy Systems.
“We have seen firsthand the tangible impact of our products in
these regions. Solio chargers begin to pay off immediately, and can
save the average East African $85 annually. In Kenya and Uganda,
for example, the price per charge from a village charging station is
26 cents (USD), and 28 cents (USD) is spent daily on kerosene for
lighting. Our products replace the need for someone to walk a half a
day to the nearest village to charge their phone or buy kerosene.”
“With Solio, we’re bringing solar technology to more people, and
not only because it provides cutting-edge renewable technology,
but in some cases it can really change lives,” Dee Kaul, General
Manager, Terminals for Vodafone based in the Far East. “We are
pleased to now invite customers across a wide spectrum of
incomes, professions and geographies to take advantage of the
sun’s sustainable energy to stay in touch.”
The Vodafone Mono-V is capable of operating in a wide range of
temperatures and environments. The ultra-compact Mono-V
contains a single-panel photovoltaic cell that is capable of holding
a charge for up to one year and will withstand 1,000 re-charges over
its replaceable battery’s lifetime.
Solio devices are made of 80 percent recycled and recyclable
materials. While Solio products are built to last, Better Energy
Systems also realizes there will come a time when every Solio
reaches the end of its usable lifecycle. Solio units are constructed in
a manner that enables simple disassembly and recycling at the end
of the product’s life.
About Better Energy Systems
Better Energy Systems – the world’s first mobile power utility
company – was created with the vision of broadening the mobile
public’s access to sustainable energy services. Globally
recognized for innovative products like the Solio®, Better Energy
Systems continues to influence the mobile consumer with its cutting
edge renewable products and methodologies – making better
energy a way of life for everyone.
For more information visit www.solio.com.