Energy transfer box is 'green' portable power pack

Andrew said: “So many people have mobile devices – people working in Canary Wharf can have three mobile phones, iPods and Blackberries. If they’re travelling around, or just leaving their desk, something like this is essential."

The green gadget has also proved a big hit with hikers in Tibet, Indonesia and Japan, mountaineers making their way across the Karakoram mountains in Asia, fishermen, birdwatchers and anyone who can’t easily reach a conventional power supply.

The solar panels can even be strapped to the back of a rucksack to gather energy, allowing walkers to listen to music on the move.

The possibility of using the ETB in developing countries is also being discussed, where it could prove invaluable in poverty-stricken places off the grid.

Developed with the help of Panasonic, the ETB is different from others on the market, as its solar panels are more powerful, and it has the advantage of being able to charge AA and AAA batteries.

A company in Herefordshire is even using the device to help film bats. Andrew said: “They carry out bat surveys when developers are wanting to build on land, to monitor wildlife and see if there are bats around that could be affected. They said they spent half the time changing the batteries in the cameras but they didn’t need to with the ETB.”

Prices range from £99 to £145 for the deluxe model with a protective, shock-proof case. Connectors and leads are available for a wide range of equipment, from mobile phones and digital cameras to PlayStations and radios.

To find out more visit www.purssang.com.

Story written by Kay Harrison
kay.harrison@wharf.co.uk