High Tech 2007: Sun Rising on Solar Power

Who doesn't want the power of the sun in the palm of their hand? That's the promise of a slew of new solar products. And with many consumers jumping on the green power bandwagon, solar products have gained a new cool factor.

But buyer, beware. "What we always find is that there are a lot of solar products out there that are just rubbish," says Shayne McQuade, CEO of Voltaic Systems, a company that has been at the front of this trend, developing solar charging bags that have been much celebrated by both online bloggers and the traditional media. McQuade says there are a few things to look for with solar products to get the most power for your buck.

One, the solar panel needs to have a large enough surface area to catch sun rays so that charging doesn't take an impractical amount of time; tiny handheld chargers with one panel may charge your phone—after 20 hours.

Two, the product should have a battery component, so that the user can charge the panels when sunlight is available and use the power when he needs a pick-me-up for his cell phone, which may be at 10:00 p.m.

Three, nothing should intercede between the solar panel and the sunlight. Products that incorporate a solar panel, but place it in a clear plastic pouch will lose their effectiveness as that plastic ages and yellows.

McQuade says his solar bags have been popular as corporate gifts as well as with consumers, and he thinks this is because they have a lot to offer. "Green is often a compromise, but here green is the advantage."








Voltaic Messenger Bag
The messenger bag has been most popular with corporate groups, though the company also offers back-packs and has plans to release a laptop bag with an even larger solar panel. The company can take orders up to 1,000 and can customize the back or straps with a logo.

$299
www.voltaicsystems.com
RS#164