Pocket-Size Folding Solar Charger Maximizes Surface Area

AmbienTec has revealed a new set of solar power chargers with folding designs that the maximize the surface area of pocket-sized units.  The AmbienTec SolarFold and SolarFan solar power chargers can produce 3 minutes of talk time for every 10 minutes of charge.

The AmbienTec SolarFold and SolarFan solar power chargers use “spherical solar technology” which embeds thousands of tiny photovoltaic spheres into these units.  They’re more durable than silicon, allowing these units to bend in your pocket or backpack without breaking.  Additionally, they’re quite thin, taking up very little storage space when folded.  When they’re ready to be used, they fold out into a fan (for the SolarFan model) or a rectangle (the SolarFold).  In a full day’s sun, these units will produce 3 minutes of talk time for every 10 minutes of charge, or alternatively some juice to power your digital camera, GPS unit or handheld gaming device.



The AmbienTec SolarFold and SolarFan are certainly not the first to fold, nor do they provide a real revolution in personal solar tech.  Another entrant into this space is always welcome, as we are still in primitive times as far as personal solar charging goes.  Early adopters can get in line for the AmbienTec units today, as they are already available in Japan.  They are available in stores for ¥22,050, or about $250 USD.