Solar powered rechargeable device for use with an electronic device and method of use thereof

A device comprising:

• a solar panel array, the solar panel array having a first solar panel electrically coupled to a second solar panel, wherein the first solar panel and the second solar panel are foldable such that when a first sector of the first or second solar panel is folded, the first sector faces a second sector of the first or second solar panel;
• a receptacle;
• a circuit electrically and physically coupled via a housing to a panel of the solar panel array such that the circuit and the receptacle are configured to move together with the panel as a single integrated unit during folding of the panel, such that the circuit, receptacle, and panel fold together as one unit, wherein the circuit is configured to control an electrical energy converted by the solar panel array that is transferred directly to an electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the receptacle;
• a battery unit located external to and remote from the housing;
• and
• at least one movable leg to raise at least a portion of the foldable solar panel array a distance above a ground surface;
• wherein the receptacle is integrated with the housing of the circuit, and the housing is mounted to the panel;
• wherein, when the battery unit is physically coupled to the receptacle and electrically coupled to the circuit, a flow of current being regulated by the circuit is transferred to the battery unit to charge a battery located within the battery unit.

A method comprising:

• converting solar radiation into electrical energy for charging one or more electronic devices and/or a battery using a foldable solar array comprising a circuit electrically coupled to a panel of the array and configured to regulate a flow of current produced by the foldable solar panel array for transfer to an electronic device connectable to the device, a receptacle electrically coupled to the circuit and integrated with a housing of the circuit, wherein the housing is mounted to the panel, a battery located external to and remote from the housing, and at least one movable leg to raise at least a portion of the foldable solar panel array a distance above a ground surface;
• wherein the circuit and the receptacle are configured to move together with the panel as a single integrated unit during folding of the panel, such that the circuit, receptacle, and panel fold together as one unit;
• wherein the converting includes:
• regulating the flow of current from the foldable solar panel array through the circuit;
• in response to the electronic device being electrically coupled to the circuit,
• transferring the electrical energy to the electronic device directly from the circuit to the electronic device;
• in response to the battery unit being electrically coupled to the circuit, transferring the electrical energy from the circuit to the battery unit.