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 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.
Source: Ascent Solar
TIA - Rich
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!
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.
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
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.
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