This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of Proforma Simonetta Freelance, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy (see proformagreen.com). John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.
Voltaic Systems is offering four bags in 2009. Voltaic bag are really mobile solar power generators designed to charge virtually all hand held electronics. They are a great item for ecopreneurists working in remote locations or with businesses needing to work remotely.
A Voltaic bag will keep your phone charged and give you enough power to use your laptop and PDA when away from traditional power sources.
The Voltaic website proclaims that “embedded in the outside of these solar chargers are lightweight, tough, waterproof solar panels. The new Generator produces up to 15 watts, powerful enough to fully charge a typical laptop from a day of direct sunlight. No other solar bag can do this! The smaller bags produce 4 watts of power so 1 hour in direct sun will power over 3 hours of iPod play time or 1.5 hours of cell phone talk time.”
Another bonus is that fabrics used to make the bags themselves are made from recycled PET i.e. soda bottles.
What are the drawbacks? Mainly price. Even at EQP the Backpack model shown runs $226. There are a number of less expensive solar-charger-only products on the promotional items market, however the Voltaic line is certainly at the top with regards to quality, usability, performance and power.
Take a look at their whole line on their website. The site also has more background on Voltaic’s commitment to the environment. Voltaic does sell individual bags to retail customers, however if you are looking for a group buy for branded items I suggest you contact your local promotional items dealer or us at proformagreen.com.
Adventures in Green Marketing 
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