Solio named INDEX Award finalist for international prize

June 10, 2011 - PRLog -- OAKLAND, Calif. - Solio, leading developer of hand-held solar appliances, has been named a finalist for the INDEX Award, a prize that rewards problem-solving designs that impact human life. Solio's chargers and lighting systems combine world-class engineering with earth-friendly designs that power life's necessities, be it a mobile phone, navigation tool, or the lights in your home.

The INDEX Award is split into five categories: Body, Home, Work, Play and Community. The five categories represent the fundamental elements of human life. Solio is a finalist in the Body category. One 100,000 Euro prize will be presented to the winner in each category.

"Solio markets and designs solar appliances that provide electricity and light in some of the most remote settings in the world," said Solio President Andy Howe. "And while people in developed communities use our solar appliances as well, the INDEX Award acknowledges the diversity of our company's mission and vision."

Solio is an INDEX Award finalist because it represents empowerment. Solio’s devices help communities without grid access charge their cell phones, power radios and lighting systems. With access to reliable solar energy, people as diverse as farmers, students, and entrepreneurs, benefit.

Nominations for the INDEX Award were made from September 2010 to January 2011 and from this pool, an international jury of designers, design scholars and thinkers, business people, and curators has selected the group of finalists. All finalists will be displayed in the world-touring INDEX Award 2011 Exhibition premiering in Copenhagen, Denmark, in September 2011. On September 2, 2011, five winning designs will be announced in the Copenhagen Operaen.

Please visit http://www.indexaward.dk and http://www.facebook.com/designtoimpovelife to follow the INDEX Award exhibition and to find out more about the finalists.

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About Solio
Solio 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. A nearly ten-year-old brand, the Oakland, CA-based company also enables communities in undeveloped parts of the world to have access to clean energy and lighting systems. Solio products are available for purchase through specialty retailers like REI, Sprint, RadioShack, and Apple. For more information visit www.solio.com

Solio stands for energy equality
Through Kiva microfinance loans, rural solar energy entrepreneurs are able to start a green business of their own. Solio is a proud partner of Kiva - find out more here: www.kiva.org/green