Solar-powered Kindle cover unveiled at CES

The first solar-powered Kindle cover is set to go on display at consumer electronics show International CES starting from January 10 and will be available to buy from January 15.

The first solar-powered Kindle cover is set to go on display at consumer electronics show International CES starting from January 10 and will be available to buy from January 15.

Created by SolarFocus, the SolarKindle Lighted Cover is, according to the manufacturers, the world's first solar-powered cover for an e-reader device.

The cover continues charging the Kindle as long as it is exposed to sunlight and then once the device is fully charged, the cover automatically begins charging the built-in lithium reserve battery, capable of providing 1,500 mA of power, which can also be charged using a USB port.

The cover also contains a built-in reading light to illuminate the Kindle's screen; the power for this light is drawn from the reserve battery, not the Kindle itself.

According to the manufacturers, though charging times vary, one hour's worth of charging in direct sunlight can provide 'almost three days worth of reading time.'

SolarFocus was named an International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards honoree for the product, which will be available to purchase from January 15 priced at $79.99.

International CES is one of the biggest events on the tech calendar, attracting over 100,000 visitors and featuring launches from some of the biggest name manufacturers in the field of consumer electronics. Held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the event is open to visitors January 10-13.

Other eco-friendly and alternative energy products included in this year's list of 2012 CES Innovations honorees include Samsung's NC215S solar-powered netbook, released earlier this year, and the iNature bio-degradable, bio-plastic iPhone cover.