Goal Zero Sherpa 50 solar recharging kit takes your laptop off-grid

Long ago during CES 2012, we spent a little hands-on time with an interesting product from a company called GoalZero. The product in question is the Sherpa 50 solar recharging kit. It's been over a year since we first saw this particular product so we understand if you've completely forgotten what it is, and what it's about.

What the Sherpa 50 is a solar powered recharging kit is designed to allow you to take your notebook computer and other devices completely off the electric grid. This might be the perfect thing for people who like to spend time outdoors camping and doing other things, but don't want to be without their technology. After a year delay, the Sherpa 50 is finally available to purchase.

The solar recharging kit isn't cheap at $399.95 (including the inverter), but it offers an interesting mix of portability and power for people on the go. This device isn't only for the outdoorsy type, it would also significantly benefit business travelers who are away from an outlet for a long time. The device uses an internal lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 50Wh.

The battery pack itself weighs 1.1 pounds and measures 4.5 x 1.5 x 5.3-inches. The device has numerous outputs including a USB port, 12 V output, and a laptop port. It also features something called the sidecar port and can be fitted with an optional AC inverter adding a standard outlet to the connectivity options. To completely charge the battery takes five hours using the included solar panel, depending on the weather. The manufacturer says that once the battery is completely charged, it will charge a laptop in two hours. Recharging the Sherpa 50 battery from the AC outlet in your home or office can be accomplished in three hours.

[via GoalZero]