Solarjo Brings a Little Fashion to the Solar Bag Department

Solarjo's Power Purse has risen from the plethora of drab looking, clunky solar bags as one that actually looks fashionable. Three years ago designer Joe Hynek realized that solar accessories lacked style and decided to create something more appealing and the result was the Power Purse. According to Mr. Hynek, "A large problem with putting technology in clothing is that it looks unfashionable... My goal is to use solar cells in a way that's unobtrusive to fashion while making something useful." At $285 USD it is not quite as pricey as a designer bag and also quite a bit cheaper than the typical $1500 solar briefcase or $300-$400 carry-on style bag.

The purse is covered with PV cells that are laminated to protect them from scratches. In just two hours of exposure to the sun (which could easily be achieved simply by setting it in the window while at work) the purse can harness enough solar energy to completely charge a mobile phone. The charge, which can last for up to a month, is held in two batteries that are held in the lining of the purse. There is a USB port inside the purse that can be used to charge a variety of devices from phones to cameras, GPS devices, MP3 players, etc.

If it really can generate enough power in two hours to fully charge various devices, then this is quite a breakthrough. There would really be no reason not to put PV cells everywhere possible and never charge our devices with power derived from fossil fuels. We'll have to wait and see, as the Power Purse is expected to go on sale online by the end of the year.

[via Mail Online]