Mobile phones and laptops enable us to work anywhere, but when the battery dies we’re left with no choice but to trudge back to the office. Fortunately, however, there is now a solution – and it’ll cut your energy bills as well…

With summer on its way, it’s realistically only a matter of time before many of us find ourselves staring absent-mindedly out of the window, wistfully yearning to be out in the sun. Of course the practicalities of work normally get in the way.

However, US company Brunton has developed a rather natty lightweight and portable solar panel called the SolarRoll (originally developed for outward bound adventure types), which rolls up for easy storage and can deliver up to 14 watts of power. This affords it enough kick to power a satellite phone or digital camera and to charge a car battery, video camera or laptop computer.

Several SolarRolls, which weigh 0.48kg each and measure 0.3m by 1.45m, can be linked together to deliver greater levels of power and are waterproof, which will come in handy when the predicted UK summer drought is no doubt interrupted by showers.

While the SolarRoll will undoubtedly appeal to all those with an ecologicalbent, it’s worth pointing out that it doesn’t come cheap. Expect to pay in the region of $399 (£211) for the 14-watt version or $279 for a nine-watt alternative, both of which are available via Brunton’s website (www.brunton.com). Still, being functional and attractive – a rare combination with business gadgets – it might be worth treating yourself, as it’s sure to turn a few heads.