Gidgi solar charging smartphone case – a green Kickstarter project

Why not tap into solar energy to keep your ravenous iPhone charged at all times? Smartphones are constantly in use, guzzling energy and demanding more juice. Many companies have tried and few (if any) have succeeded, in creating a one-size-fits-all solar charging case for the ubiquitous smartphone.

A little Minneapolis start-up, Solar Surge, has designed a solution, a versatile smartphone solar charging case – the Gidgi – that can accommodate a wide variety smartphones – keeping your phone charged via free solar energy – indoors or out. The idea of a group of young college grads who are seeking crowdfunding via their recently launched Kickstarter project.

The Gidgi features a case made out of durable, good looking components that are intended to have a long lifespan. The life cycle of the Gidgi is further extended by its ability to charge a wide variety of smartphones and smartphone sizes and by its use of the latest solar panel technology. One hurdle facing most portable smartphone chargers is charging time, not so with Gidgi, its on-board solar panel is large enough to fully charge an iPhone’s battery in roughly 2 hours of direct sunlight (under optimal conditions) and the whole deal weighs only a couple of ounces.

some details:

Two high-power solar panels provide the most electricity of any solar charging phone case (5.1 volts, 850 milliamps).
Charges via direct, or indirect sunlight – indoors or out.
Bullet-proof glass protects your phone from hard drops and shocks.
Water resistant fabric shields your phone from moisture and the elements.
The charger features wallet and credit card slots.
Multiple mounting straps accommodate most smartphone designs.
Lightweight durable design contains no heavy battery.
A USB port allows charging of USB-friendly small devices.

Solar Surge is seeking to raise $20K by 8.28.14. A $79 pledge – discounted from the estimated retail price $109 – will get you one of the first Gidgi’s off the assembly line – estimated delivery December, 2014. Solar Surge offers a bunch of other pledge levels to consider. It’s estimated that the solar charger will hit retail markets sometime in 2015. For more info, or to make a pledge visit the Gidgi Kickstarter project.