Scosche solBAT II collects solar power, distributes it to USB devices
By Richard Lai 
posted February 4th 2010 2:16PM
posted February 4th 2010 2:16PM
Scosche Launches solBAT II – Solar Powered Back up Battery and Charging Device
solBAT II is available now
solBAT II is available now
Oxnard, CA – February 3, 2009 – Scosche Industries, an award-winning innovator of iPod and iPhone accessories, announces the availability of its solBAT II -- solar powered charger and battery backup. The solBAT II works with almost any handheld device that can be charged via a USB cable and feature's a simple two light indicator that lets users know when the solBAT II it is charging from the sun or a USB cable (red), and when it is passing that stored energy to a handheld (green) like a Blackberry, iPhone, iPod, or PSP.
"The solBAT II is a great way to charge your devices using the free, renewable power of the sun," said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. "It is the perfect accessory for powering outdoor adventures or can keep your iPhone topped off while you watch your favorite movie on a long flight."
The solBAT II's lithium ion battery has a capacity of 1500mA and an output of 5V, allowing it to charge USB powered devices at the same rate as a wall charger. The solBAT II features a windshield mount and a universal carabineer mount making it easy to soak up the sun's clean energy. When fully powered a solBAT II will charge a typical cellular up to two times, making it a great battery backup to keep in the car or a bag in case of emergency when traveling.
Recently Scosche partnered with Business Mobility Systems to provide volunteering doctors in Haiti with a means of communication. With the power grid in Port-AU-Prince out of commission the doctors used the solBAT II's to keep their smartphones powered up.
"With all the different technologies we used to make this communication solution work, one of the most important aspects or components were the solBAT II solar powered backup batteries," said Art Hale Chief Technology Officer, Business Mobility Systems.
The solBAT is available now on Scosche.com and at select retail locations throughout the US for $29.99. For additional information and to order the solBAT II now please visit www.scosche.com.
About Scosche Industries:
Scosche Industries is an award-winning innovator of iPod and iPhone accessories. Scosche is founded on its' commitment to quality, value and customer service. With over 70 patents and countless industry awards it is easy to see that Scosche is consistently at the forefront of technology and innovation. Scosche Industries is the parent company of several distinct brands including: Scosche, REALM, EFX, BlueFusion and Accumat. Founded in 1980, Scosche is still 100% family owned and operated with over 120 great people along side them. For more information visit our website at www.scosche.com.
i know this isn't about the article per say, but i would just like to thank the editors for everything they do and I am especially impressed with the amount of comments they replied to in the article where they turned the comments back on. shows me they're not pretentious like everyone and their mothers were trying to make them out to be over the past few days. you guys are awesome. engadget = my homepage forever.
@John Stathakis
get off the stage. Put skinny back on!
"four to five days"...is that 4 to 5 times a 24-hour period of constant sunlight, or 4 to 5 times the typical 10 hours of daylight we get here in the winter? Because, you know, I won't buy it either way.
I wonder how long it will take for someone to steal it while the user is leaving their iphone out in the sun.
@Wallyum Um, is it not a battery? Does it not use solar power to recharge the battery for later usage? Why on earth would someone need to leave their iPhone out in the sun in order for this to work?
Haha, I love how they demonstrate it in a car, as if there's no other nearby source of electricity.
By the way, why don't all cars come with 3.5mm line in, and USB power sockets as standard? Surely they aren't that expensive...
@Timmmmmm Our Dodge has a 120v AC and USB plug for charging devices up front, woot!
I'd have to say that a car is the LEAST useful place for a solar power charger. Be cool for a camping trip though, but I think I'd prefer something more like a foldout umbrella with more capacity. =)
Cool, but in your car, why not use the cigarette lighter? Seems more valuable *not* in a car or house.
Charge in........I'ma charge-in mah lazerz!
Pretty innovative concept. Could definitely save my life if I forgot to bring my phone charger to work.
The cigarette lighter has too many things plugged into it. (GPS, Portable DVD players, cell phone chargers...) And all of it drains your car battery. Why kill your car battery when you can find cleaner energy?
Don't tell me the minimal effects of charging a cell phone everyday on your commute. The point is it still effects the lifetime of the car battery and this device is a step closer to cleaner energy.
Speaking of batteries...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEwNrjvNiYs
@NotAllThere
When the engine is running, power is supplied via the alternator and not the battery.
@ebgolfin Doh! *Facepalm*
simply a below average product that was supposed to be a good idea. If they can push th charge time to be close or equal to the energizer one that would be a steal.
@Wallyum the charger also has an internal battery so you dont have to have it plugged in so it can charge.
Can I take it on an airplane without being tackled and strip searched?
@wraith404 you left out tazed! or even shot ..
I wouldn't be locating it to obscure the drivers view .. as in the photo ..
$20 pre order on Amazon.
You might get pull off by a cop who thinks it's a radar detector where it's prohibited. Or, you may turn it into a radar detector inside and make it look like a solar power charging device. ;-)
Since a car already has a 12V socket and most people already have car chargers. I think they should market this for all the campers out there.
Just call it the "Karate Kid" solar charger. Charge in, Charge out, Daniel-San.
I do see a need for this despite have a 12 volt in the car.
This is an awesome device for my hidden usb spy cam. I would connect this to my micro mini-dv usb powered spy cam w/ motion detect. The thing will power it all day. It would have been great a few months ago when my car was keyed.
Unfortunately, I always park in a garage at home and work.
@HDD Are you sure your USB cam power requirements are that low? Look at the size of that solar panel, there is no way, even with the highest efficiency panel technology out there that its going to do more than a slow trickle charge.
well, this beats my black&decker batter pack charger...
lol, i had to charge the charger VIA wall plug... in order to charge up my ipod touch...
but this thing, all i gotta do is leave it stuck to my balcony sliding door, and fugettaboutit.
cheaper in the longrun.
me thinks i will buy.
@sowhatu If you're talking about an electric drill, those have HUGE battery packs. If you don't mind waiting three weeks for a trickle charge, have at it. You'd be better served by a much bigger panel if you're just using it at home.
Errr... the form factor is decently sized.
That's as positive as I can be.
imagine that on your windshield on a 90+ degree day
I just want to know how many people went, "HEY! That's pretty cool!" and then went, "Awwww.... :(" when they saw the 5 day charge time.
I think this charger works with any iPod and any iPhone as well as other types of phones. I found a review of this product on http://www.myntgreen.com/home/2010/1/28/video-review-of-the-scosche-solbat-ii.html and it is hilarious!
Just found this one at $17
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30047
Seems like this is more valuable *not* inside a car.