Ascent launches EnerPlex solar-powered charger for Samsung Galaxy S III
Ascent Solar Technologies Inc of Thornton, CO, USA, which manufactures thin-film photovoltaic modules based on copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) using flexible substrate materials, has launched a charger for the Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone featuring its ultra-light CIGS technology. Branded under Ascent’s EnerPlex line of consumer products, the charger incorporates the its solar cells into a sleek, protective Galaxy S III case, along with an ultra-thin battery. The charger adds minimal weight and size to the Galaxy S III yet provides much improved battery life, says the firm.
Following the launch of EnerPlex for the iPhone 4S case, Ascent is releasing the EnerPlex for the Galaxy S III as Samsung continues to introduce new products in a competitive market where the number of smartphones in use globally is expected to reach 1 billion in the next 4 years. As many as 144 million smartphones were sold globally in first-quarter 2012. Ascent is developing the EnerPlex line using its CIGS technology to bring solar-enabled power to new consumer products such as the widely anticipated next-generation iPhone.
“The EnerPlex charger is the only protective case for the Samsung Galaxy S III which leverages the lightweight qualities and superior aesthetics of our CIGS solar technology,” says Ascent Solar’s president & CEO Victor Lee. “It will extend the usage time of the Galaxy S III while preserving the high level of design quality that consumers demand,” he adds.
“Ascent’s solar-powered case designs target the top two market share leaders, Apple Inc and Samsung, who together account for over 70% of the smartphone market,” continues Lee. “With the launch of this second product in the EnerPlex line, Ascent now has a solar charger for two of the most popular smart phones on the market, the Apple iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S III.”
The EnerPlex case for the Samsung Galaxy S III will debut in South Korea in October, with an expected launch in the USA in time for the 2012 holiday shopping season.
Tags: Ascent Solar CIGS
