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.
I love the Abaca Ottoman by Padma’s Plantation! Great shop 🙂
I would love to get some All Purpose Cleaner in Lavender»
I love all the recycled/upcycled bags
I like the bamboo towels they have.
I like the solar butterfly charger.
mrs meyers
I like the BumGenius cloth diapers
I would love to try the bamboo towels.
I like the Organic Combed Cotton Towel Set – Sage (1 Wash Cloth, 1 Hand Towel, and 1 Bath Towel)»
I like the AON BOX “Scrolls & Sculls” Collapsible Portable Green Speakers»
BAMBOO TOWEL SETS
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I really like the Long Sleeve Whale Jersey Cotton Baby Bodysuit in Spice Brown
from Organic Crush!
I like the Laptop Lunch Box Kits 2.0.
spaller213 (at) gmail (dot) com
Solar Lantern»
I like the Fern Hemp & Organic Cotton 12″x20″ Decorative Pillow in Cream & Peacock
yeah! they carry bumgenius. They also carry method baby products which i like
I love the Eco-Friendly Wonder Walker!
recycled plastic plates.
I like their bamboo towels! Happy holidays! Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
Renee Walters
[email protected]
crayon rocks wax crayons
I love the EarthDog Hemp Dog Bed!
Rustic Linen Shower Curtain in Grey ($135)»
I would love a pair of bamboo sheets!
I want Organic Combed Cotton Towel Sets
I’d like the Califoria Baby Calming Newborn Tote gift set.
http://ultimategreenstore.com/p-142-california-baby-calming-newborn-tote.aspx
Would also love to try the Lavender hand and body lotion. 🙂
I would love to try the Lavender Hand and Body Lotion.
All 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
I like the California Baby Sunscreen!
I like the California Baby “Calming Blend” Shampoo & Body Wash
Faber-Castell Colored Pencils!
I 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!
I like the organic cotton crib sheet in baby blue
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I love the Recycled Seatbelt Small Messenger Bag
Any of the organic baby girl clothes!
the bamboo towels.
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Red & White Striped Organic Cotton Kids Long Johns
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I love the California Baby products
I like the DayNa Decker Provence Lavender Couture Chandel – 6 oz.
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Love the OffGrid Solar Recycled Backpack.
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I like the bamboo towels
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from Coyuchi in the olive/white color! gorgeous!
Match Bear vs. GT Bear Mens & Womens Organic Cotton Tee Shirt
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12oz (355ml) Kid Size Klean Kanteen Water Bottle
I really like the Bamboo Towel sets.
lavender all purpose cleaner
The Bamboo towel set.
I would like to try the ipad solar charger.
I like EarthDog Hemp Dog Bed
I’d get the Eco-Friendly Bamboo E-Racer Le Mans Car in Blue
I like the earthdog hemp dog bed.
I like Gentle Foaming Face and Body Cleanser with Gingko, Green Tea & Seaweed
I liked the cotton kid pajamas