SunLeaf Solar (http://www.thesunleaf.com) has introduced the US$179 SunLeaf Pro, the iPad solar charger. It’s an USB-based device that plugs into an electronic gadget like the iPad or a Kindle, and can fold up to an eighth of its size.

The SunLeaf Pro can provide power anywhere there is sunlight. Through its solar-powered apparatus, SunLeaf hopes to break into the market and help to reduce the output of CO2 emissions by 15,000 tons over the next five years.

The box includes one SunLeaf Solar Charger, one USB voltage regulator, and one Quick Start Guide. Charging times will vary depending on the strength of the light source and the battery’s ultimate capacity.

The iPad 2, for example, has a battery capacity of 6600mAh. In ideal conditions, the SunLeaf Pro charger is capable of putting out 1000mAh. What this means is that in order to fully charge your iPad 2, your SunLeaf charger would need to be in the sun for 3-4 hours for a half-charge or 6-7 hours for a full charge. An iPhone would charge fully in under four hours in good sunlight.