Solartab Is Back With a More Powerful (And Waterproof) Solar Tablet Charger

The newest version of this solar charger & battery is lighter and offers a more powerful solar panel, and includes dual USB ports and a USB-C port.

The original Solartab, which was launched via Kickstarter in 2014, promised a well-designed and efficient all-in-one solar charger and battery pack that could meet the needs of today's tablets and smartphones, and after getting to spend some time with one of the units after production began, it seemed pretty clear to me that it lived up to that promise. And now the team is back with an updated version that is lighter and more powerful than the original, and although the battery is a bit smaller in capacity, the units are also waterproofed, and include the next generation of USB ports, the USB-C.

The new Solartab C, which claims to be "the world's first solar charger with USB-C," has a 6.5 W solar panel (the original has 5.5 W), a 9,000 mAh battery (compared with the original's 13,000 mAh), and along with the two standard USB charging ports, has a USB-C port, which can be used as a 5V/3A input (to charge from the wall) or output (with compatible devices). The Solartab is about the size of a tablet or thin book, measuring just 7.5 mm thick and weighing in at about 280 grams (the original weighed 400 grams), and like the original, has a dual-purpose case which not only protects the device, but also acts to hold it at an optimal angle for solar charging.

According to Solartab, the devices include what it calls its "IntelliSunTM charging technology" and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology, which is said to enable connected devices to "charge at the fastest rate possible," as well as for the Solartab to "hibernate" when not in use, preserving the battery for when it's needed.

Here's the pitch video:

Solartab C is currently in the middle of what appears to be a successful crowdfunding campaign, where backers can reserve a unit for a pledge of just $59 (MSRP $119), which will be shipped in December of this year. More info at Solartab.