Vodacom becomes World Panel retail partner, sells solar chargers

Executives from both companies were on the floor of the Cape Town trade show to unveil the products that directly connect cellphones to a clean and reliable energy source.

World Panel products are the first to stream electricity from the sun directly into mobile devices and they require no chip sets or PC boards. The SunStream and SunStream Plus charge cellphones at or near the same speed as a wall plug. SunStream products have been built to international standards using industrial-grade materials, allowing them to withstand harsh conditions and can even charge while submerged in water.

"I originally visited Africa with a solar prototype for household purposes and was consistently asked by residents whether it could charge their phones. I've returned with a product that is essential for anyone who owns a cellphone, but who has limited access to dependable energy sources," said World Panel's CEO, John Anderson.

Anderson said: "We are honoured that Vodacom has joined us as a retail partner and are looking forward to reports on how the SunStream is changing lives and delivering energy independence across the African continent."

A game changer

Speaking on behalf of Vodacom, Suraya Hamdulay, Executive Head of Vodacom Sustainability said: "World Panel created a buzz at AfricaCom two years ago and we are proud to carry the SunStream products in our South Africa stores. This is a game changer for many because cellphone users from every walk of life can now benefit from reliable and portable access to renewable electricity."

World Panel secured a US Utility Patent earlier this year on the core technology inside the SunStream product line and now holds 20 design patents worldwide, including those in India, Japan, Europe, and China. All SunStream products are made in the US at World Panel's new production facility in Colorado with capabilities to scale up to 10-million units annually.

The World Panel SunStream is built to provide the highest performance in the most challenging real-world conditions. It is the first technology in the world that combines USB charging standards with international solar panel standards.

It is water submersible, even continuing to operate while under water. Drop tested up to two metres, it is made with a shatterproof glass face and a polymer case that is UV stable and remains cool to the touch in extreme heat. The patented technology circumvents chip sets and PC boards, which are notorious for breaking on typical solar charging devices. SunStream carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of R199.