09.21.2011– OAKLAND, Calif. – Solio, leading developer of hand-held solar chargers and lighting products, supports September’s National Preparedness Month, a coalition by FEMA to help communities organize relief and provide communication strategies in times of emergency. Solio’s proven solar devices have helped thousands of people worldwide with power solutions for communication staples like cellular phones and walkie-talkies along with backup lighting products like flashlights and headlamps. For nearly a decade, Solio has provided portable solar chargers to support on-the-go lifestyles, outdoor adventures, and relief for emergency victims. As part of an emergency preparedness kit, Solio’s solar chargers provide a powerful yet compact solution to outages. Solio chargers hold a charge for up to a year and with recent natural disasters like Japan’s tsunami and earthquake, tornado’s in Alabama and Missouri, Hurricane Irene, and even the 12-hour Blackout in San Diego and Arizona recently, people around the world need to be prepared when disaster strikes. Packing a Solio charger ensures that even when phone and power lines go down, you can use your Solio to charge your phone, run lights, or power a radio to stay connected with news updates.Solio’s newest charger, the “Bolt,” is the company’s most compact, powerful charger to date. A fully charged Bolt can give smartphones like the iPhone and Motorola Droid two complete charges. Simplifying the user experience, the new Bolt charges directly from a device’s respective USB charging cables, no longer relying on adapter cables or tips. The Bolt is compatible with products from Garmin, Princeton Tec, Petzl, and more and at $70, the Bolt is an affordable investment for emergency preparedness as well as daily use. Like all Solio products, the Bolt’s user-replaceable battery is simple to install, and the charger was designed for easy dismantling and recycling at the end of its usable life. The Solio Bolt will be available at RadioShack, Sprint, and REI stores in the United States and Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada. Also available at solio.com. About SolioSolio is a developer and manufacturer of portable solar chargers and lighting systems, helping power work and play with renewable energy. Solio products are compatible with an enormous range of devices from GPS units to MP3 players, smartphones, and cameras. Chances are, if a device can be powered by USB, it can be powered by Solio. A nearly ten-year-old brand, the Oakland, CA-based company makes its products available for purchase through specialty retailers like REI, Sprint, RadioShack and also provides rural communities in Kenya with home solar lease options, providing access to affordable clean energy and lighting systems. For more information visit solio.com..Solio stands for energy equalityThrough Kiva microfinance loans, solar energy entrepreneurs are able to start a green energy business of their own. Solio is a proud partner of Kiva – find out more here: kiva.org/greenInquiries: Craig Randall at Verde PR & Consulting | 303-718-6519 | ###