It may perhaps, be the end to dependence on electricity
for the charging of cellphone batteries in Nigeria as mobile phone giants,
Nokia has announced the availability of a new portable solar charger in the
country.
The new Nokia Portable Solar Charger, DC-40 is a pilot
product designed and marketed by Nokia to test the viability of solar charging
as an alternative mobile phone charging system.
The technical solution is said to be a thin film panel,
measuring 165mm x 237mm with a long cable and 2mm Nokia plug interface and weighing
only 93 grams, the solar charger is highly portable. The solution is incredibly
simple and efficient. With one minute of charging, consumers will get
approximately two minutes of talk time.
According to Nokia, the solar charger is most efficient
when used in direct sunlight where the average charging time for full charge on
a 1000mAh battery would be under four hours. However, the solar panel can also
be used behind a glass window, but is less efficient in these conditions.
The mobile phone leader noted that Kenya and Nigeria
provide the perfect opportunity for testing this solution, with recent World
Bank reports indicating that only 16 and 51 percent of Kenyans
and Nigerians
respectively had regular access to electricity between 2007 and 2011. However,
mobile phone usage is pervasive in these markets, calling for alternative
methods of power.
James Rutherfoord, Vice President Nokia West Africa said “There
are numerous advantages to this solution, including being able to service
consumers outside of regular electricity supply, or those who need a quick
charge on the go. However, perhaps the greatest benefit is the cost saving
achieved by being able to harness the natural resource of the sun”.
Initial limited quantities of the DC-40 solar charger
will be available in Nigeria at retail outlets across Ikorodu, Ibadan, Ojo/Badagry
and Ijebu-Ode/Sagamu at an estimated retail price of N2, 560 with the aim of
getting feedback from the field.
“Nokia prides itself on its ongoing sustainability
programs to minimize power usage. This solar charger provides an extremely
environmentally friendly solution that is free of CO2 emissions,” adds Rutherfoord.
Nokia is a
global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral
part of the lives of people around the world.
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