The spread of solar isn't limited to rooftops. Solar cells have been creeping into other applications lately, including solar backpacks, a cell phone, and rechargeable lights for the developing world. Now a Berkeley, Calif. company called Better Energy Systems has gotten its first funding for a clever handheld charger. Better Energy makes the Solio, a "hybrid" charger that incorporates a battery within its design to store power and charge other devices more quickly. When sunshine isn't available, the Solio can charge itself from a wall socket. Alternately, off-grid users can use solar energy alone; according to the company, an hour of sunshine is good for about 20 minutes of talk time on a cellphone, or 50 minutes of listening to an MP3 player. The Solio is a tough-looking folding brick that, for most models, goes for about $100. That's significantly more expensive than chargers from competitors like Devotec and Solar Style, but the design and durability are likely strong selling points for outdoor enthusiasts, along with clever features like a suction cup to affix the charger to windows. Like D.light Design, Better Energy has been featured on national television, which suggests a growing awareness of solar-powered devices, and with any luck, an extra boost to the market for solar cells. But however many Solios are sold, they isn't likely to add a great deal to the bottom lines of the average cell makers, who is primarily interested in large home and commercial installations. However, devices like the Solio could provide a new outlet for high-efficiency silicon cells, which are mostly used now for concentrating solar, provided their price can be brought in line with consumer devices. Along with other gadgets that have made it to stores, and future applications like Toyota's solar-cell Prius, there's a growing set of creative applications for solar cells. Better Energy's funding was for $5 million, provided by TBL Capital. The company was founded in London, United Kingdom, and still maintains offices there.