The Solargorilla, was a game-changing portable solar charger designed to provide free, reliable power anywhere under the sun. This innovative device was specifically developed to cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and professionals working in remote locations where access to traditional power sources was limited or non-existent.
Award-Winning Design and Functionality
The Solargorilla’s exceptional design and functionality earned it the prestigious Outdoor Industry Award in 2009, cementing its position as a leader in the portable solar charging market. Its success was attributed to several key features:
- Tough, rubberized casing for enhanced durability
- Portable, fold-up design to protect solar panels during storage
- Water-resistant construction for use in various weather conditions
- Slot for suspending the Solargorilla on vehicles or tents for optimal outdoor use
- 20V power socket and standard 5V USB output for versatile charging options
- Red LED charging indicator to display the strength of the charge
These carefully designed features made the Solargorilla an indispensable tool for those who needed reliable power on the go, whether they were exploring the desert, going on safari, or climbing mountains.
Advanced Solar Panel Technology
At the heart of the Solargorilla were two cutting-edge PV (photovoltaic) solar panels, which efficiently converted sunlight into electric current. The panels were made of glass, significantly improving the Solargorilla’s performance and enhancing its overall aesthetics. The technically advanced solar panels ensured superb power output and reliable performance, all housed within a tough outer casing.
The Solargorilla’s red LED indicator provided users with real-time information about the strength of the charge, with higher UV intensity resulting in better performance. This feature allowed users to optimize the positioning of the device to maximize its charging potential.
Versatile Charging Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Solargorilla was its ability to charge a wide range of devices, including laptops with power requirements under 40 watts. This made it an excellent choice for professionals who needed to keep their laptops powered up while working in remote locations.
Along With laptops, the Solargorilla could also charge mobile phones, iPods, handheld gaming consoles, and many other devices via its 5V USB output. This versatility made it a valuable tool for anyone who relied on multiple devices during their outdoor adventures.
Comprehensive Accessory Kit
Each Solargorilla came with a comprehensive accessory kit, ensuring that users had everything they needed to make the most of the device:
- 8 Gorilla Male straight tips for various laptop models
- 8 mobile device tips for popular smartphones, gaming consoles, and other portable devices
- DC extension cable (2m) for added flexibility in positioning the Solargorilla
- USB extension cable (2m) for connecting USB-powered devices
- Zipped case for secure storage and transport
- Velcro strap for easy attachment to vehicles or tents
This extensive accessory kit demonstrated Powertraveller’s commitment to providing a complete, all-in-one solution for portable solar charging.
Real-World Testing and Applications
The Solargorilla underwent rigorous field testing in various environments, including Africa, Australia, and even Afghanistan, where reliable power was a crucial element of communication strategies. Aid agencies, emergency services, the military, and adventure travelers all praised the device for its long-overdue solution to power issues in remote locations.
The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, for example, had previously suffered from communication problems due to a lack of reliable power sources. The Solargorilla provided them with a dependable solution, enabling them to carry out their important work more effectively.
In the UK, pre-production units of the Solargorilla were extensively field-tested, successfully powering a number of laptops for a week at a time. This demonstrated the device’s ability to provide consistent, reliable power even in less optimal solar conditions.
Compatibility with Apple Laptops
For users of Apple Macbooks, Macbook Airs, and Macbook Pros, Powertraveller offered additional accessories to ensure compatibility with the Solargorilla. The Apple MagSafe airline adapter or an alternative connection solution, along with a universal car charger socket, allowed these laptops to be powered by the Solargorilla.
It is important to note that the MagSafe cable was only suitable for powering Apple laptops, not charging them, and was designed specifically for models incorporating the MagSafe connector.
Sum Up
The Solargorilla portable solar charger was a revolutionary device that provided outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and professionals with a reliable, versatile, and eco-friendly power solution. Its award-winning design, advanced solar panel technology, and comprehensive accessory kit made it an essential tool for anyone who needed to stay connected and powered up in remote locations.
Although no longer in production, the Solargorilla’s impact on the portable solar charging industry cannot be overstated. It set a new standard for what users could expect from a portable solar charger, combining durability, efficiency, and versatility in a single, compact device.
The Solargorilla’s success in real-world applications, from wildlife conservation efforts to military operations, demonstrated its ability to provide reliable power in even the most challenging environments. Its legacy continues to inspire the development of new and innovative portable solar charging solutions, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts and professionals can stay connected and powered up, no matter where their adventures take them.