© 2024 New Atlas
Mobile Technology

EnerPlex could be slimmest solar case for iPhone yet

By Darren Quick
June 21, 2012
EnerPlex could be slimmest solar case for iPhone yet
The EnerPlex solar charger for iPhone 4/4S incorporates a thin, flexible CIGS PV module from Ascent Solar
The EnerPlex solar charger for iPhone 4/4S incorporates a thin, flexible CIGS PV module from Ascent Solar
View 6 Images
The EnerPlex fits snugly around an iPhone 4 or 4S
1/6
The EnerPlex fits snugly around an iPhone 4 or 4S
The EnerPlex includes a solar cell and battery while adding minimal bulk
2/6
The EnerPlex includes a solar cell and battery while adding minimal bulk
The EnerPlex incorporates a flexible CIGS PV module from Ascent Solar
3/6
The EnerPlex incorporates a flexible CIGS PV module from Ascent Solar
The EnerPlex solar charger for iPhone 4/4S
4/6
The EnerPlex solar charger for iPhone 4/4S
The EnerPlex keeps the iPhone's buttons, charge port and camera clear
5/6
The EnerPlex keeps the iPhone's buttons, charge port and camera clear
The EnerPlex solar charger for iPhone 4/4S incorporates a thin, flexible CIGS PV module from Ascent Solar
6/6
The EnerPlex solar charger for iPhone 4/4S incorporates a thin, flexible CIGS PV module from Ascent Solar
View gallery - 6 images

In comparison to some of the bulkier solar panel-packing iPhone cases we’ve seen, such as the AQUA TEK S and Solar Surge, the EnerPlex solar charger case is positively Kate Moss-like. Made by Colorado-based Ascent Solar using its ultra light, thin and flexible CIGS solar panels, the EnerPlex for iPhone 4/4S adds just 72 g (2.53 oz) to the weight of the phone, while providing the ability to top up the battery from the sun’s rays.

Judging by the available pics, the EnerPlex looks to add less than a centimeter (0.39 in) of depth to an iPhone, while incorporating a battery alongside Ascent Solar’s flexible CIGS module, which it claims is the lightest and thinnest photovoltaic module in the world. The case has been designed to provide clear access to the iPhone’s buttons, speakers and charging port, and leaves the rear camera unobscured,

Ascent Solar claims the EnerPlex will provide up to an additional 170 hours of standby time, 3.5 hours of internet surfing, 5.6 hours of Wi-Fi, 19 hours of audio playback and up to 5.6 hours of video playback on a full charge.

The EnerPlex keeps the iPhone's buttons, charge port and camera clear
The EnerPlex keeps the iPhone's buttons, charge port and camera clear

The company has already received a purchase order of 50,000 EnerPlex units from its Asian distributor ahead of an early August 2012 retail launch there. The company says it plans to expand its EnerPlex line to support smartphones from other manufacturers, such as the Samsung Galaxy S III, in the near future. No word on pricing, but a wider global release is set for the fourth quarter of this year.

Here's a video from Ascent Solar showing off the EnerPlex's sleek lines.

EnerPlex Solar Charger for iPhone

Source: Ascent Solar

View gallery - 6 images

Tags

Mobile TechnologyChargerPhotovoltaiciPhone 4iPhone 4SiPhone case
18 comments
Darren Quick
Darren Quick
Darren's love of technology started in primary school with a Nintendo Game & Watch Donkey Kong (still functioning) and a Commodore VIC 20 computer (not still functioning). In high school he upgraded to a 286 PC, and he's been following Moore's law ever since. This love of technology continues as Managing Editor of New Atlas.

Most Viewed

Load More
18 comments
FACSman
Where can you buy the orange stand the iPhone is resting on?
TIA - Rich
kellory
50,000 units have already been ordered, but no price given? I am guessing the stand comes with it, but the video says nothing really useful, except that the new solar cells are thinner and flexible (flexible does not matter in a flat hard case.)
What is the solar output, and charge rate? Time to charge? It would charge faster if the phone can be turned off, or at least close the screen. Need some details here guys!
AscentSolar
All current info on the EnerPlex battery case can be found here: http://www.ascentsolar.com/enerplex/
Having the phone on or screen locked does not affect the charge time as the USB port and solar cell charge the case's battery (which can be discharged to the phone at any time) rather than the phone's internal battery.
kellory
Been there, done that, and STILL no pricing! Even clicked on how to buy, and still no pricing. I am not going to play silly bugger games to find out what it cost to purchase! You had my interest, now you have lost it. I also can't tell if it could be used on the dash of a car, or if the heat would effect it. My cell phone will shut down if too hot. You just lost a possible customer.
AscentSolar
kellory,
EnerPlex is not yet available for sale, the pictures featured above are of the product production prototype. Which is why there is no pricing information available yet, once the product becomes available, pricing information will of course be provided.
The case can be placed on the dash of the car, although as mentioned the heat may affect the iPhone but it will not prevent the case from charging its own battery. In this case it would be prudent to remove the phone from the case and leave the case itself on the dash, preventing any damage to the iPhone.
Ascent
kellory
"The company has already received a purchase order of 50,000 EnerPlex units from its Asian distributor ahead of an early August 2012 retail launch there. The company says it plans to expand its EnerPlex line to support smartphones from other manufacturers, such as the Samsung Galaxy S III, in the near future. No word on pricing, but a wider global release is set for the fourth quarter of this year."
No one but an idiot would order 50,000units of ANYTHING without a unit price. So someone is getting pricing. The web site has the same video as seen here, with very little added info. I don't like being kept in the dark, it has cost you a customer.
AscentSolar
Kellory,
As stated the order is from our Asian distributor, our distributor prices are of course private information not available to the general public. As distributor they have the power to set retail prices as they see fit.
Ascent
kellory
"The EnerPlex charger for iPhone 4/4S weighs only 72 grams, and can dramatically increase the usage time of your device. With a full charge, the EnerPlex charger adds: Standby Time: up to 170 hours Internet Surfing: up to 3.5 hours Wi-Fi: up to 5.6 hours Audio Play: up to 19 hours Video Play: up to 5.6 hours" Congratulations. Now how about what I asked? "What is the solar output, and charge rate? Time to charge?" size of battery (Ah) Things consumers compare when deciding upon a purchase. And who cares that the solar cell is flexible? You are not using that feature of their construction.
James_P_ATL
I'm really excited about the case. Hopefully it's not too expensive.
kellory
It has been a month, and you STILL can't tell me the size of the battery, charge rate, solar output (watts) or average charge time? NUTS! Forget about my business!
Load More