The partnership has been signed in Cape Town at the ongoing AfricaCom.

 

World Panel Chief Executive Officer, John Anderson, said the deal followed "his first visit to Africa with a solar prototype for household purposes when he 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 mobile phone but who has limited access to dependable energy sources," said Anderson.

 

Suraya Hamdulay, Vodacom Executive Head for Vodacom Sustainability, said expressed pride at carrying the SunStream products in South Africa stores.

 

"This is a game changer for many because mobile phone users from every walk of life can now benefit from reliable and portable access to renewable electricity," Hamdulay said.

 

World Panel products are the first to stream electricity from the sun directly into mobile devices and they require no chipsets or PC boards. The SunStream™ and SunStream Plus™ charge mobile phones at or near the same speed as a wall plug.

 

The World Panel SunStream is built to provide the highest performance in the most challenging real world conditions. It is said to be 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 meters, it is made with a shatterproof glass face and a polymer case which is UV stable and remains cool to the touch in extreme heat. The patented technology circumvents chipsets and PC boards which are notorious for breaking on typical solar charging devices.

 

SunStream carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of R199.

Source : allafrica.com