Support - FAQ

Q1 Is Solio compatible with my device?

Q2 The tip for my device is not listed, are new tips on the way?

Q3 My device is not on your compatibility list, can I still use Solio? And what is the 12V Adaptor?

Q4 What are the differences between the Solio models?

Q5 Is Solio compatible with my camera?

Q6 Is Solio compatible with my iPhone?

Q7 Can I charge a laptop computer with Solio?

Q8 Why can't I get my Solio to charge from the sun?

Q9 I cannot get my Solio to charge the device it is connected to.

Q10 Why does the Solio shut down after one minute when I'm trying to charge my cell phone?

Q11 How is the USB Port Replicator tip used for charging my iPod?

Q12 The LED on my Solio is blinking or flashing red very rapidly, what does this mean?

Q13 Can I use an inverter (DC to AC) with my Solio?

Q14 Nothing happens after pressing the button to start charging.

Q15 Can I charge the Solio on a cloudy day and can it be left outdoors?

Q16 Can I charge a device while charging the Solio?

Q17 My Solio no longer holds a charge. How long does the Solio battery last?

Q18 Are there special considerations for Canadian customers?

Q19 Why hasn't my order shipped?

Q20 I did not find the answer to my question, how can I reach you?

Q1 Is Solio compatible with my device?

Solio is compatible with a wide variety of handheld electronic devices, using our special adaptor tip system. Out of the box, Solio works with MP3 players and many cell phones. Please visit our store and click on 'Tips and Cables' for a full compatibility list.

Q2 The tip for my device is not listed, are new tips on the way?

A great reason to own Solio is to power all of your devices, now and into the future. Even before a new handheld is released to the market, we are hard at work producing a new adaptor tip. And with iGo compatibility available on newer Solio models, our list of compatible devices grows longer and longer. Please visit our webstore for the latest additions.

Q3 My device is not on your compatibility list, can I still use Solio? And what is the 12V Universal Adapter?

Quite possibly, our 12V Universal Adapter Cable, available on our website, can be used to charge most handheld devices that draw 4 to 12 volts at up to 1 ampere per hour. This cable works with the Solio Classic only, enabling the Solio to charge your device through its car charge. It works just like the "cigarette lighter" in your car. Simply connect it to your Solio in place of the normal System Cable and plug in your device's car charger.

The 12V Universal Adapter Cable is only compatible with the Solio Classic. The requirements to supply the proper power is too much for the smaller H1000, and the Solio Magnesium uses a completely different power supply and tip system.

Q4 What are the differences between the Solio models?

There are three Solio models, the H1000, Classic, and Magnesium. They differ in batter capacities, and the Solio Magnesium uses a different adapter system than the other two. Additionally, some retailers sell a fourth model, the Solio Mono.

Specifically, the Solio Magnesium has the largest internal battery, it is our most updated charger, has a magnesium alloy shell, and uses iGo adapter tips. iGo, owned by Mobility Electronics, is a company we've partnered with who have many more adapter tips than would other wise be available. This combined with newer, more efficient design and solar cells leads to a vastly improved product. No other model currently use iGo adapter tips. The Magnesium comes packaged with an AC Mains adapter, a female USB short cable, an iGo tip system cable, a 100% recycled pencil, a hemp bag, and several AC Mains adapter tips for traveling to major sites around the world.

The Solio Classic has a smaller internal battery than the Magnesium. It comes with a USB charging cable and a suction cup to adhere to windows. The package includes 6 adapters: a female USB tip, Mini-USB tip, Nokia tip, Samsung tip, LG tip, and Sony Ericsson tip). More are available online at our webstore.

The Solio H1000 has a different design that the other models, a compact, high impact plastic shell and one-piece solar panel. This model has a single exposed solar, a carabiner clip at its top, and an attached system cord. It has the smallest internal battery and comes with a USB charging cable, and 3 adapter tips: a female USB tip, Mini-USB tip, and Nokia tip. The H1000 cannot be used with our 12V Adapter, which works only with the Solio Classic.

Q5 Is Solio compatible with my camera?

Solio, through either our Mini USB or USB port replicator tip, can charge many digital cameras. If you have a car charger for your camera, our 12V Universal Adapter will work great. However, our Mini-USB tips cannot be used if your camera's Mini USB port is for data download only.

Q6 Is Solio compatible with my iPhone?

Yes! Solio is an essential iPhone companion. The USB port replicator tip - included in the box - is also compatible with iPods, MP3 players, and many digital cameras. It is important to note that a separate adapter is required for the iPhone 3G and is available on our website. Please click here for the iPhone tips available and select one that is appropriate for your Solio model.

Q7 Can I charge a laptop computer with Solio?

Unfortunately not. Laptops are very power hungry, but future products are in development to address this.

Q8 Why can't I get my Solio to charge from the sun?

There may be a number of reasons for this:

• It takes 8-10 hours to fully charge a Solio from the sun. With peak charging times between 10am and 2pm, it takes a minimum of 2 days to fully charge a Solio. Please look for the steady red light that indicates the Solio is being charged.          

• Placing Solio behind a glass window will also reduce the amount of energy absorbed by the solar panels.          

• Any shadow on part of one or more of the panels will reduce the performance of Solio.        

• For the solar panels to perform at their peak they need to be in direct sunlight and perpendicular to the sun, this requires adjustments to your Solio as the sun moves through sky.              

• Clouds, pollution and higher latitudes will have a negative impact on Solio's performance. Please see our solar intensity maps.

Please note: If your Solio came with a thin plastic film on its solar panels please remove before use. This is a protective covering for shipping purposes which was included with later model retail units.

Solio has a built in "fuel gauge" that measures the amount of charge within its own internal battery. The level of charge within Solio is indicated when the start button is pressed. Once the button is pressed, a green light will flash between 1 and 5 times. 5 flashes indicates a full charge and every number less than that is a percentage (1 flash = 20%, 2 flashes = 40%, etc.). However, as with other devices that use a lithium ion battery, the indicator is only a rough estimate in determining the state of charge. For example, although Solio may show 2 flashes after it has been left in the sun for several hours, it may in fact be 50% charged, which is more than enough to power a cell phone or iPod.

Q9 I cannot get my Solio to charge the device it is connected to.

Please be sure that you are using the appropriate adapter and that it fits snugly into the all black system cord. Please note that the connector fits smoothly into place in only one direction, and while it's possible to place the connector upside-down, that requires a bit of force. After the connections are made please press the start button to initiate charging. The connected device should show its standard charging indication, and the Solio will continuously flash green every three seconds. Note that some devices require being turned off before being charged.

Q10 Why does the Solio shut down after a bit when I'm trying to charge my cell phone?

As a safety precaution, Solio terminates a charge once the electrical current drops below a certain threshold (usually an indication of a full charge) in order to conserve Solio's stored energy in its internal battery. Unfortunately, in the case of some Motorola and Research in Motion Blackberry™ phones, the current draws to a trickle only part way through its charging cycle. Thus the Solio thinks that the phone is full and terminates the charge. We suggest holding down Solio's start button for five seconds to re-initiate the charge. It is also possible that you may need a different adapter for your phone. Please contact support for compatibility inquiries.

Q11 How is the USB Port Replicator tip used for charging my iPod?

The USB Port Replicator tip is used in place of the USB port on your computer. Simply plug the Adapter Tip System cable into your Solio, attach the USB Port Replicator to the cable, then insert your iPod cable into the USB port the tip provides. Press the start button on the Solio to start charging.

Older Solios and our current Solio Magnesium comes with a female USB cable instead of a tip, which is used in the same way and is the same for most purposes.

Warning: Do not use the USB charging cable with your tips! It may damage your device!

Q12 The LED light on my Solio is blinking or flashing red very rapidly, what does this mean?

The red flashing LED indicates that the Solio's internal battery may have been damaged. Please stop using the Solio immediately and contact our customer support team by completing a Support Form, or call us at +1 (510) 868-8714.

Q13 Can I use an inverter with my Solio?

No, the Solio was not designed for use with inverters. DC to AC inverters may damage the internal battery.

Warning: Using an inverter with the Solio will void your manufacturer warranty!

Q14 Nothing happens after pressing the button to start charging.

First, make sure you are using the proper cable, the Adapter Tip System cable, and the correct tip for your device. Make sure the cable is firmly in place, then press and hold down the start button on the Solio for a minimum of five seconds when starting.

Q15 Can I charge Solio on a cloudy day and can it be left outdoors?

Yes, Solio will charge on a cloudy day, although less efficiently than when under clear skies. Cloud cover can also be too thick to allow enough sunlight through to the solar panels. Solio is engineered to be rugged and weather resistant, but it is not entirely weatherproof. Solio should not be left out in wet, rainy, or snowy conditions without a protective covering.

Q16 Can I charge a device while charging the Solio?

Yes! You can do this with all of our chargers, providing that the Solio has a bit of power on it. Please note that as the Solio is transferring power to your device it will not gain much of a charge, if at all. If the current drawn is greater than the amount that sunlight conditions allow the Solio to charge it's internal battery, you may not significantly receive a charge from the Solio.

Q17 My Solio no longer holds a charge.

Just like a cell phone battery, Solio's internal lithium ion battery may eventually need to be replaced. The expected life span of your Solio's battery is approximately 350-500 full cycles of charge and discharge depending on care and average use. Keep your battery as fully charged as possible to extend its life. Please contact our customer support team by completing a Support Form, or call us at +1 (510) 868-8714.

Q18 Are there special considerations for Canadian customers?

Our Canadian customers are responsible for VAT charges that may be charged by the Canadian government, which could be as much as $50. We will include a copy of the invoice with the package for customs. Please note that orders to Canada must clear Canadian customs and can take longer than orders shipped within the United States.

Q19 Why hasn't my order shipped?

Your entire order will be delivered in one shipment. If one item is on backorder the entire order will ship only once the backordered item(s) become available. If you would like to check on the status of your order, please contact our customer support team by completing a Support Form, or call us at +1 (510) 868-8714.

Q20 I did not find the answer to my question, how can I reach you?

Please contact our customer support team by completing a Support Form, or call us at +1 (510) 868-8714.