Regen ReNu Solar Charger Module
Rengen are currently taking pre-orders for their ReNu solar charger module which should be shipping in 2010. This modular design covers a range of products that integrate with each other, the heart of the system here is the Solar Panel module.
Measuring just over 8 by 8 inches and about 3/4 in thickness this weighs in at just over a pound. So this is not really a portable carry in your pocket solar charger and it has not been designed that way. The concept is the solar panel sits at home or in the office capturing the solar energy and stores this in its integrated LiIon battery ready for you to slip your device into the charger dock when you arrive. The storage capacity should be capable of charging your iPhone, not just once but twice.
Charging time from flat to reach full capacity is around 9 hours in direct sunlight or 20 hours in a more shaded area. In practice the ReNu will be continuously topping itself up every day and your iPhone or other electrical device should never be fully flat. This should ensure a constant means of topping up except on the most cloudy of days combined with a lots of talk time of your cell phone. The time it takes to charge your IPhone from the ReNu module would be around 1.5 hours.
The support modules for the ReNu starts with the iPhone dock, This combines the charger with and intelligent user interface and allows you to sync your device with your home PC. The sound dock turns your iPod or Iphone into a home audio centre which features an advanced acoustic arrangement. The rance continues with a elegant LED side light.
The device is capable of being charged by the old plug it into the wall method but we could hope that you would never use that.
The philosophy of Rengen is completely in tune with the hopes of LifeAlternate and the words of their CEO, David Pierce…
At Regen we create personal and home electronics powered by light. At the heart of our work is the belief that leaping forward toward solar powered electronics should not require stepping back from performance, design, and enjoyment.
In addition to making beautiful electronics, our ultimate aim is to make useful, self-powered products accessible to the greatest number of people possible, and to turn self-power into the preferred standard for personal and home electronics everywhere.
…say it better than we could.
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