Girls Inc. - Solar-Powered Tech

      Roughly speaking, 100 girls in Oakland are creating solar panel-powered technology this summer. Through Girls Inc., girls teams are making solar wrist USB chargers, cell chargers, backpack chargers, and purse chargers that will charge nearly any technology device. 

      To create their visions, participants meet on weekdays from Monday to Thursday on the Girls Inc. campus at Concordia Park. They attend workshops, field trips, and activities throughout the month. Girls Inc. participants begin their program, Eureka!, in the 7th grade. They finish when they're in the senior year in high school. 

       "It is important for girls to innovate because girls are users," said Danielle Stanton, the Girls Inc. Rookies Coordinator. "When we put ourselves into the shoes of designers, engineers and overall innovators, we incorporate our own perspective, which is important considering women have more purchasing power nationwide. We are able to make products that will benefit a large majority of the population."

BoostSolar: $99 Solar Power Battery Backup System

Eton BoostSolar is a solar charger with a 5,000 mAh battery

      The Etón BoostSolar is a solar-powered smartphone and tablet (and pretty much any other electronic devices) charging solution that helps deliver power anywhere that has ample amounts of sunshine. This product also includes a battery capable of delivering two charges to the typical smartphone. Consumers looking in the market for mobile power solutions and emergency preparation products may recognize the Etón name as the manufacturer of several Red Cross branded emergency and outdoor  products.
        The Etón BoostSolar is a solar charger and battery pack that consumers can charge up with the sun or by a USB port. The 5,000 mAh battery has the capacity to charge a smartphone twice and can push enough power to charge power-demanding tablets, which tend to be strict about any power requirements.

        This product is able to charge the included 5,000 mAh battery in approximately 16 hours of sunlight or in about 5 hours over the USB port. Each battery includes a LED indicator light to show the battery life left. It also ensures that the solar panels will survive any outdoor activities due to its IPX-4 rating for water, which defines itself to be able to survive splashes and a little rain. The corners feature openings so consumers are able to clip the solar charger to a backpack while walking, for on-the-go charging. 

Switch between batteries to keep the power flowing