DESIGNERS on Portland have developed a cutting-edge gadget that harnesses solar energy to provide power.

GaiaSphere, based in Southwell Business Park, has developed a hand-held battery charger called Solio for mobile phones, iPods, MP3 players and digital equipment.

Computer giant Apple has signed up to sell the device in its Japanese and American stores.

Managing director David Fowler said: "The Solio has its own internal battery and three solar panels, which fan out like a propeller.

"To charge up, it should be angled at the sun.

"We started work on Solio two-and-a-half years ago and it is the first product of its type.

"It can charge a range of devices like mobile phones, iPods and personal digital assistants using different connectors. It is ideal where there are no electricity sockets available and can be used as you need it.

"If there is no sunlight, the Solio can be plugged into a wall charger to recharge its internal battery."

He added that the product is particularly useful for backpackers or business travellers and it takes about 30 minutes to charge up.

The Solio has fan blades that open out to soak up solar rays when in use and fold down to the size of a mobile phone for storage. A battery pack is hidden inside the unit's thick rear blade to store the energy.

The two-man team behind Gaisphere joined forces with the company Better Energy Systems to create the device, which weighs 5.8oz.

GaiaSphere - which moved from London to premises in Portland six months ago - has made its name on a variety of projects ranging from electronic jewellery to a valve for scuba divers.

Mr Fowler says he and creative director Stephen Dalby focus on creating innovative products in close partnership with their clients using a support network in trades such as engineering and manufacturing.

Visit www.solio.com or www.gaiasphere.com for prices and more information.