Solio has a very easy to use tip and cable system that provides the most flexible charging solution on the market today. It is important however that you DO NOT attempt connecting a phone tip to the FEMALE USB cable. Not only is the connection very loose, the tip system it is not designed to connect this way and therefore will not work. Devices connected in this way run a slight risk of damage and may void your Solio warranty.

You will recognize the FEMALE USB cable by its exposed metal fitting. This cable replicates a PC’s USB port and is used to connect USB powered products (such as MP3 players, which come standard with their own USB cable as a power and data exchange source). NO TIPS SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO THE FEMALE USB CABLE. The other cable, SOLIO UNIVERSAL CABLE, does not have exposed metal and is used to connect different devices to your Solio by inserting device appropriate tips in the cable. Tips will fit snuggly into the cable. (The first insertion is more snug than subsequent insertions).

After correctly connecting your tip and cable and attaching securely with your Solio and phone/iPod; simply press the button located at the top of the Solio to initiate charging.

Q2 Can Solio store its own power?	top of page
Yes. Solio has a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery which means you can store energy from the Sun or from the wall to power your phone, iPod or other small electronics whenever you need mobile power.

Q3 Can my Solio be left outdoors without a protective covering?	top of page
Although Solio is water resistant it is not entirely waterproof, thus cannot be left out in wet, rainy or snowy conditions without a protective covering.

Q4 What power output can I expect from Solio?	top of page
With Solio’s intelligent internal circuitry it can deliver power at variable rates depending on the device being charged. The power ranges from 4V to 12V with variable current outputs. Max power is just over 8 Watts but for most devices it works in the region of 5.5 Watts.

Q5 How long does it take to charge Solio?

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In optimum conditions it will take at least ten hours of direct sunlight (longer in cloudy or weak sunlight conditions) to fully charge Solio, but this will give you enough power to charge an average cell phone more than once or give your iPod up to an additional 9 hours of playtime. Apporoximately 4 -6 hours of direct sunlight to your Solio will let you charge an average mobile phone about once depending on temperature conditions and intensity of sunlight, and the type of phone you have. Charging the solio from the mains power supply will takes 4.5 hours using the dedicated Solio travel adaptor (included).

Q6 How long does it take Solio to charge my phone or Ipod?	top of page
This depends on your phone or device, but you can expect that Solio will charge at about the same rate as your device's standard power supply. With a full Solio it takes about 2 hours to charge up your iPod.

Q7 Can I charge on a cloudy day?	top of page
Yes you can charge Solio on a cloudy day, although significantly less power is produced.

Q8 What happens if there is no sun and I need portable power?	top of page
Solio has been designed to also receive a charge from the mains power supply. This power can then be carried with you wherever you go.

Q9 How long does Solio store power?	top of page
Solio will store battery power for up to six months.

Q10 Do the solar panels break easily?	top of page
It is advised to take care of the solar panels, but they can withstand the impact of a 1 inch hailstone travelling at 80 kph. so they are pretty strong.

Q11 Should I keep the solar panels clean?	top of page
Yes, the cleaner your panels are the more efficiently they convert light into electricity. Use a dry or damp cloth only to clean your Solio from time to time .

Q12 Can I charge a portable computer with my Solio?	top of page
No. Laptop computers are very power hungry, but future products are in development to address this.

Q13 What can I charge with my Solio?	top of page
See Compatible Device section of website

Q14 Where can I buy additional tips for my PDA or Phone?	top of page
Please visit www.solutionsink4u.com/solio/v2/index.htm for list of compatible tips. These connector tips are available online from www.solutionsink4u.com/solio/v2/index.htm.

Q15 Can Solio charge my iPod	top of page
Yes, a fully charged Solio will provide about a full charge to most iPods after 2 hours of charging at approximately the same as its dedicated wall charger.

Q16 Where can I buy Solio	top of page
Currently Solio is available in www.solutionsink4u.com/solio/v2/index.htm.

Q17 Can Solio both charge and run an iPod or phone	top of page
Yes, if your iPod or phone is completely flat and Solio has a stored charge you can begin using your device immediately, or leave it to charge your iPod or phone for later use.

Q18 Is it okay to charge my ipod at the same time as Solio is plugged into the wall?	top of page
Yes it is ok to charge the iPod through the Solio and plug the Solio into the wall. Essentially while you are emptying Solio charge to your iPod you are also filling it at the same time, this is part of the design.

Q19 What should I do if my suction cup is bent?	top of page
The suction cups are made of a special material that "remembers" its shape. If your suction cup is bent from being in its box, simply breathe on it and stick it to a window for 1 or 2 days and it will regain its natural shape.

Q20 Why doesn't the green light come on to indicate Solio is fully charged?	top of page
That was actually a misprint in our manual. When Solio is fully charged, whether from the sun or the mains power, the red light should turn off, not turn green.

Support - FAQ

"What I want to know is.."

Q1 The tip for my phone does not fit very well with the Solio cable included in the box and it does not charge my phone. What should I do, and how do I use correctly connect up my Solio?

Q2 Can Solio store its own power?

Q3 Can my Solio be left outdoors without a protective covering?

Q4 What power output can I expect from Solio?

Q5 How long does it take to charge Solio?

Q6 How long does it take Solio to charge my phone or Ipod?

Q7 Can I charge on a cloudy day?

Q8 What happens if there is no sun and I need portable power?

Q9 How long does Solio store power?

Q10 Do the solar panels break easily?

Q11 Should I keep the solar panels clean?

Q12 Can I charge a portable computer with my Solio?

Q13 What can I charge with my Solio?

Q14 Where can I buy additional tips for my PDA or Phone?

Q15 Can Solio charge my iPod

Q16 Where can I buy Solio

Q17 Can Solio both charge and run an iPod or phone

Q18 Is it okay to charge my ipod at the same time as Solio is plugged into the wall?

Q19 What should I do if my suction cup is bent?

Q20 Why doesn't the green light come on to indicate Solio is fully charged?