In 2021, the IEA reported, “Global electricity demand is growing faster than renewables, driving a strong increase in generation from fossil fuels.” And that’s only one part of the problem. Whether it’s summer or winter, the media is increasingly reporting on power grid failures, even in some of the wealthiest areas of the US. On top of that, we now have extreme weather that’s knocking out power, sometimes for days, in nearly every corner of the US.
So, even if you’re super diligent about routinely recharging the devices your lifestyle is dependent on, the odds of ending up with a dead phone are not dropping every year; they’re increasing. This is in spite of the steady improvements being made in device operating efficiencies.
High-end battery efficiency is increasing nicely, see Apple’s most recent iPhone Pro series specs. Unfortunately, most electronic devices sold aren’t made to Apple’s high standards, and low-cost, low-efficiency batteries are the norm, especially through some of the most popular online and retail outlets. That’s why so many of us have been disappointed in the performance of many devices after just a few months of regular use, often leading to non-use within the first year.
For solar cell devices, there’s a similar issue. Bargain pricing and first-impression ratings have taught profit-focused device manufacturers that it’s acceptable for a product’s performance to deteriorate shortly after purchase, and even faster if used outdoors.
Our testing at iPowerUp revealed that solar-powered battery packs from popular brands were made with low-efficiency solar cells, which were not tested before or after assembly. The result was that solar collection efficiency was typically below the minimal expectation of 14-17% because many of the collection cells had been damaged during the assembly process. It’s no wonder that these makers will warn you, in small print, that it might take 24 to 36 hours to fully recharge the battery with sunlight.
COVID and the resulting remote working and living likely accelerated the independence streak we’re witnessing in the US among families, communities, religious, political, and cultural affiliations. Along with it is less dependence and trust in the family, community, and institutional support we used to rely on for assistance. So, many of us are increasingly interested in anything that makes us less dependent on others. This extends to sources of power, especially electrical power, which used to seem so reliable and affordable, too.
Whether we’re intentionally off the grid for a camping trip, disconnected from power while commuting on mass transit, working or paying outdoors, or find ourselves in a crisis, without the ability to recharge a dead phone, we want a remedy.
The good news is that iPowerUp has a solution. In fact, it was delivering that solution, in the form of efficient solar phone charging phone cases and battery packs to thousands of satisfied customers until 2019. Unfortunately, it had to close its doors in 2019 due to its biggest customer’s bankruptcy and the changed fortunes of two acquirers. —But it’s back!
Jerry Bessa, iPowerUp’s fearless founder, has assembled a largely new team and appointed Gaurav Mishra, our impressive new CEO, to grow the business.
Now Jerry can focus on new and innovative solar charging devices and accessories. —And we’re excited that for the first time, we’ll be able to call them “smart’ solar cases and devices. —But you’ll have to wait for more info on that.
It‘s easy. Sign up to become a subscriber to our periodic emails. You can also use our Contact page form to reach out with specific questions as we raise more money to launch the first products and followers.