Power : Portable Power Packs

Voltaic Generator Case
The solar power case for laptops

by Voltaic Systems (1005 Generator)

We've been providing portable power systems for people heading out on field work, overseas humanitarian aid missions, adventure travel, and many more expeditions for many years. Among the most challenging requests is to provide power for a laptop computer. Finally, lithium battery technology has caught-up to lightweight solar panel construction to permit the design of real systems that work... Enter the Voltaic Generator laptop case.

The Voltaic Generator is the first solar bag powerful enough to charge a laptop, using high efficiency solar cells. It includes an advanced lithium battery pack custom designed to efficiently store and convert the electricity generated. It will also charge cell phones and most other hand held electronics.

The Generator's solar panel generates up to 15 watts using the most efficient single-crystal cells, enough to fully charge the Voltaic battery in about 5 hours of summer sunlight.

The included battery pack stores the equivalent of a typical laptop charge and automatically delivers the required output voltages without you having to set anything. That's right, it adjusts itself to match your laptop. No more risk of using an incorrect voltage.

A wide range of adaptors are included for connection to laptops, phones USB devices, and other handheld devices. A universal 12V outlet socket is also provided so that you can use the car adaptor for your particular device.

The Generator case fabrics are made from recycled PET (soda bottles), which is tough and water resistant

A note about laptops...

Note: Not all manufacturers enable charging from external batteries and our adaptors do not fit all laptops. Results may vary by model, but laptops by Apple, Dell, HP, IBM/Lenovo and Panasonic typically do charge. Brands less likely to charge include Fujitsu, Sony and Toshiba, however, even if the laptop will not 'charge', it is possible to 'run' your laptop from the Generator case.

Standard Generator adaptor set...

Adapters for most common laptops are included as well as adapters for common cell phones. See detailed specifications below.
APPLE LAPTOP NOTE...
Apple does not allow 3rd parties to license the MagSafe plug, so this is not yet included in the standard set. An optional reconfigured MagSafe charger is available separately.

The adapter set includes a car charger socket you can plug in a standard car charger and power most small consumer electronics, including phones, PDAs, cameras, MP3 players, etc.

The battery has an integrated USB socket which works with most USB chargers. For iPhones and iPods, use the included iPhone adapter connected to the DC Out Cable at 6.5-8.4V Volts.

There is also a lightweight AC travel charger, so you can still recharge the battery when not in the sun. We also offer a range of optional adaptors for cell phones, cameras, and PDA's, which are sold separately.

Generator Case battery pack...

Included with every bag is a LiIon battery with 58Wh throughput. This is about the same size of a typical small laptop battery. Solar power is stored in the battery inside the bag, ready to run a laptop or other device when needed.

A USB plug on top of the battery connects to standard USB chargers. It also provides 5V output to the standard and optional phone adaptors which charge most popular cell phones.

The voltage selector on the front of the battery allows for manual selection of voltage ranges 3.5-5.0V, 5.0-6.5V, 6.5-8.4V and 12-20V (by double clicking the button). Within the voltage range, the battery automatically adjusts to deliver the required voltage.This range satisfies the requirements for most hand held electronics and laptop computers. Note: Even though the voltage may be correct, not all manufacturers enable devices to charge from external batteries.

A DC In plug on the side of the battery connects to power from the solar panels or an included AC charger.

A charge indicator on the face of the battery shows when the battery is receiving a charge. When connected to the solar panels, this will come on when the panel is placed in direct sunlight. It shows red when charging at higher power levels and green when trickle charging (either because the battery is nearly full or in cloudy conditions).

There is also a battery level Indicator which shows the charge remaining in the battery.

The battery pack clips inside the bag and can be removed for separate use.

Generator Case solar panel...

The solar panel is waterproof, scratch resistant, and UV resistant. It uses high efficiency, premium monocrystalline cells.

The panel generates up to 15 watts of power which will recharge the Voltaic battery from approximately 5 hours of direct sunlight.

The substrate is an aluminum / plastic composite, specifically designed to be strong and lightweight. They can easily stand up to typical outdoor use. Even if the panel is broken, which would likely take a conscious effort, it can easily be removed and replaced.

The coating is a flexible polymer which can tolerate over 5 years of exposure to direct sunlight. The surface is flexible to help resist scratching. Scratches will actually melt out when exposed to the sun. To allow maximum light to reach the cells, keep the panel surface clean using a soft cloth and alcohol or warm soapy water.

Generator case specifications...

Material: 600D shell made from 100% recycled PET (soda bottles). Webbing, mesh and 150D lining all made from 100% recycled PET. Aluminum frame covered in UV resistant PU. Aluminum and PU hardware. Silicon handle.

Weight: 4.5 lbs (2,050 grams) including solar panel and battery.
Dimensions: 17"x12"x 3.5" (43x31x9cm) -- will hold up to a 17" MacBook Pro
Volume: 700 cubic inches (12 liters)

Indicator light inside the handle shows when the panels are generating a charge.