Video: Retractable, Portable Solar Power Unit

Serkan Toto

Dr. Serkan Toto is an independent consultant and advisor focusing on Japan’s web, mobile and social gaming industries. Based in Tokyo, he works together with financial institutions and startups worldwide. Serkan has been the Japan contributor for TechCrunch.com since 2008. He is sept-lingual, holds an MBA and is a PhD in economics. → Learn More

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Solar energy is progressing: Japan-based OS has developed the so-called “Mobile Solar Unit” [ENG, PDF], which is essentially a portable power generation system that comes with a retractable solar panel. The system can provide a total of 40W of power, 16W from the solar sheet and 24W from a built-in battery.

Much like with a projector screen, the roll-up mechanism allows users to pull out and retract the solar panel from the main unit. The device weighs just 3kg and can be linked to a second one to generate 80W of power (each unit has a 12v socket).

Maker OS says their solar unit can be useful after disasters, outdoors, for construction, and during events.


In Japan, the Mobile Solar Unit is already on sale (price: $725).

This video, shot by our friends over at Diginfonews in Tokyo, provides more insight: