When it comes to total coolness, the Solio Bolt Solar Charger from The Ultimate Green Store scores off the charts. It is probably one of the coolest gadgets I’ve gotten to use in awhile, and that’s pretty impressive considering that it only does one thing – it charges. Whether it’s your cell phone, your iPad or even your digital camera, the Solio Bolt Solar Charger can charge them all using the power of the sun.
About the Solio Bolt Solar Charger
The Review
I could hardly wait to test out the Solio Bolt. Before I even got inside the house, the package had been opened and I was ooh-ing and aah-ing at the solar wonder that is the Solio Bolt. Along with the Solio Bolt, the box also contains a Micro-USB cable, which is used for charging, and a pencil which you can use to prop up the Bolt towards the sun for optimal solar charging.
To charge the Solio Bolt, you can either plug it into a power source via USB (such as a laptop or your computer) or you can charge it using the sun via their two high-efficiency solar panels. It’s been a little cloudy around here, so we plugged it into the laptop for charging. The light turns red so you know that it’s charging up. The Solio Bolt reached full charge very quickly (I think it was just a few hours if I recall correctly) and then it was ready for use. Before you start charging, you can see how much charge is on your Solio Bolt by pressing the power button. 5 flashes of green and you have more than 80% charge; 1 flash and you have just over 1% charge.
Once you’ve confirmed that you have power, simply plug in your electronic device for charging. You can use their included Micro-USB cable or you can use your own USB charging cable (such as that white iPod cable that plugs into the iPod and into the USB port on your computer.) Once everything is connected, you hit the Start Button and the Solio will start to charge. The light will blink green to let you know that it is charging. You’ll also see the charging symbol appear on your device (just so you know the Solio isn’t faking.)
I was completely impressed that the Solio Bolt was able to fully charge my iPod touch in less than an hour and still had enough juice to charge up my cell phone. This is a great gadget for people who are on the go and often find themselves needing an electronic “charge.” Whether it’s out hiking (where there are no outlets) or maybe you’re stuck in traffic (without a charger), you can easily charge your device with the Solio Bolt.
By far, the best thing is that you can charge the Solio using solar power. I’ve experienced more than enough power outtages to know that you can’t always count on wall outlets to keep your electronics charged. I remember a snow storm not too far back where people were without power for days. If they’d had the Solio Bolt, at least they could have charged up some of their portable electronics for entertainment and music.
If the Solio Bolt isn’t quite your thing (but really, how could that be possible) then make sure you browse the other green products available from The Ultimate Green Store. As one of the largest online green retailers, they have green items for the home, babies, kids and eco-gifts!
The Ultimate Green Store Online
- Visit The Ultimate Green Store Website
- “Like” The Ultimate Green Store on Facebook
- Follow The Ultimate Green Store on Twitter
The WiC Project Ultimate Green Store Giveaway
The Prize:
One winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to The Ultimate Green Store.
Disclaimer: This post consists of my (and/or fellow tester) opinions only. Your experiences may be different. No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a free product from the manufacturer or their representing PR agency to use and test for the purposes of this review. This did not affect the outcome of this review.
Marthalynn says
November 23, 2011 at 2:58 pmI love the Abaca Ottoman by Padma’s Plantation! Great shop 🙂
Diane says
November 24, 2011 at 10:29 amI would love to get some All Purpose Cleaner in Lavender»
Holly Caulfield says
November 24, 2011 at 10:39 amI love all the recycled/upcycled bags
Andrea D. says
November 24, 2011 at 11:41 amI like the bamboo towels they have.
Jennifer Rote says
November 24, 2011 at 5:56 pmI like the solar butterfly charger.
denise says
November 24, 2011 at 6:41 pmmrs meyers
sarah shult says
November 25, 2011 at 12:23 amI like the BumGenius cloth diapers
Anne Loyd says
November 25, 2011 at 7:40 amI would love to try the bamboo towels.
mrsshukra says
November 27, 2011 at 1:58 amI like the Organic Combed Cotton Towel Set – Sage (1 Wash Cloth, 1 Hand Towel, and 1 Bath Towel)»
Lori Thomas says
November 27, 2011 at 6:32 pmI like the AON BOX “Scrolls & Sculls” Collapsible Portable Green Speakers»
Yidi T says
November 28, 2011 at 4:13 pmBAMBOO TOWEL SETS
yidijia(at)gmail(dot)com
Alicia E. says
November 29, 2011 at 12:31 pmI really like the Long Sleeve Whale Jersey Cotton Baby Bodysuit in Spice Brown
from Organic Crush!
Stacey P (cosaver213) says
November 29, 2011 at 1:10 pmI like the Laptop Lunch Box Kits 2.0.
spaller213 (at) gmail (dot) com
Janice Crespo says
November 30, 2011 at 1:11 pmSolar Lantern»
Felecia says
December 1, 2011 at 12:15 pmI like the Fern Hemp & Organic Cotton 12″x20″ Decorative Pillow in Cream & Peacock
clarissa says
December 1, 2011 at 7:09 pmyeah! they carry bumgenius. They also carry method baby products which i like
Vicky Carlson says
December 2, 2011 at 8:28 pmI love the Eco-Friendly Wonder Walker!
Shannon Baas says
December 2, 2011 at 8:52 pmrecycled plastic plates.
renee walters says
December 3, 2011 at 1:03 amI like their bamboo towels! Happy holidays! Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
Renee Walters
[email protected]
crystle tellerday says
December 3, 2011 at 10:24 amcrayon rocks wax crayons
Catie says
December 3, 2011 at 10:33 amI love the EarthDog Hemp Dog Bed!
Jennifer S says
December 3, 2011 at 3:48 pmRustic Linen Shower Curtain in Grey ($135)»
katfam says
December 3, 2011 at 5:23 pmI would love a pair of bamboo sheets!
Linda Lansford says
December 3, 2011 at 7:59 pmI want Organic Combed Cotton Towel Sets
Holly Wilson says
December 3, 2011 at 10:26 pmI’d like the Califoria Baby Calming Newborn Tote gift set.
http://ultimategreenstore.com/p-142-california-baby-calming-newborn-tote.aspx
Shannon Egan says
December 3, 2011 at 11:46 pmWould also love to try the Lavender hand and body lotion. 🙂
Sherry S. says
December 4, 2011 at 8:28 amI would love to try the Lavender Hand and Body Lotion.
Melissa Shirley says
December 4, 2011 at 11:43 amAll Natural EarthBath Mango Tango Pet Shampoo & Conditioner in One
http://ultimategreenstore.com/p-155-all-natural-earthbath-mango-tango-pet-shampoo-conditioner-in-one.aspx
ACMommy3 says
December 4, 2011 at 5:43 pmI like the California Baby Sunscreen!
Jessica says
December 4, 2011 at 8:04 pmI like the California Baby “Calming Blend” Shampoo & Body Wash
Christina says
December 5, 2011 at 1:08 amFaber-Castell Colored Pencils!
katklaw777 says
December 5, 2011 at 2:17 amI have been eying this bag and it’s on sale now…Solar Converter Recycled Daypack»
Voltaic Systems
Regular Price: $199.00
Sale Price: $139.00…cool!
charline says
December 5, 2011 at 10:37 amI like the organic cotton crib sheet in baby blue
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Jessica Rose says
December 5, 2011 at 12:59 pmI love the Recycled Seatbelt Small Messenger Bag
Michelle Plummer says
December 5, 2011 at 1:31 pmAny of the organic baby girl clothes!
melissa Resnick says
December 5, 2011 at 3:58 pmthe bamboo towels.
Erica C. says
December 6, 2011 at 5:49 amI like the Recycled Seatbelt Medium Tote Handbag in Green Camo.
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
December 6, 2011 at 11:12 amRed & White Striped Organic Cotton Kids Long Johns
vmkids3 at msn dot com
kyona says
December 6, 2011 at 12:35 pmI love the California Baby products
Hoa Le says
December 6, 2011 at 1:27 pmI like the DayNa Decker Provence Lavender Couture Chandel – 6 oz.
alittlepieceofheaven777(at)yahoo(dot)com
Austin says
December 6, 2011 at 1:47 pmLove the OffGrid Solar Recycled Backpack.
erma H says
December 6, 2011 at 4:29 pmI like the Recycled Seatbelt Small Messenger Bag
cynthia says
December 6, 2011 at 5:50 pmI like the bamboo sheets
julieh says
December 6, 2011 at 10:15 pmI like the bamboo towels
angie lilly says
December 7, 2011 at 8:04 amI love love love the Organic Flannel Duvets ($238 – $324)
from Coyuchi in the olive/white color! gorgeous!
Angela Winesburg says
December 7, 2011 at 8:07 amMatch Bear vs. GT Bear Mens & Womens Organic Cotton Tee Shirt
Melanie Dauterive says
December 7, 2011 at 11:42 amI like the recycled glass drink bottles.
Jennifer R says
December 7, 2011 at 12:03 pmI love the brightly colored belts made from recycled seat belts. reejen at comcast dot net
Tammy says
December 7, 2011 at 1:35 pm12oz (355ml) Kid Size Klean Kanteen Water Bottle
Theresa J says
December 7, 2011 at 1:47 pmI really like the Bamboo Towel sets.
tamara says
December 7, 2011 at 2:43 pmlavender all purpose cleaner
April Grimm says
December 7, 2011 at 3:43 pmThe Bamboo towel set.
tracy gnann says
December 7, 2011 at 5:37 pmI would like to try the ipad solar charger.
Desiree Dunbar says
December 7, 2011 at 6:18 pmI like EarthDog Hemp Dog Bed
Julie Moe says
December 7, 2011 at 9:09 pmI’d get the Eco-Friendly Bamboo E-Racer Le Mans Car in Blue
shirley pebbles says
December 7, 2011 at 9:21 pmI like the earthdog hemp dog bed.
DanV says
December 7, 2011 at 11:21 pmI like Gentle Foaming Face and Body Cleanser with Gingko, Green Tea & Seaweed
Christian Nunez says
December 7, 2011 at 11:30 pmI liked the cotton kid pajamas