Roberts launches second solar-powered DAB radioSolarDAB 2 digital radio charges battery from sun

07 May 2010

Roberts has unveiled its second solar-powered digital radio - the SolarDAB 2 -  which is available in four different colours and will cost around £82. 

The Which? test labs rated and reviewed its predecessor, the compact, mono Roberts SolarDAB. The SolarDAB 2 adds FM radio and battery charger functions to the original SolarDAB's features list. 

The SolarDAB 2 is designed to be portable, and Roberts says it will be ideal for picnics, barbecues and day-trips. By including an FM radio, the SolarDAB 2 will also be useful abroad, although users won't be able to listen to digital radio stations abroad.

Find out which digital radios make it as Which? Best Buys following our tough lab tests in the Which? digital radios review.

SolarDAB 2 has 20-hour battery life

Roberts claims that the SolarDAB2 will operate for up to 20 hours on a single full charge. The radio's solar panel charges the included rechargeable batteries when in a sunny location, or the SolarDAB 2 also operates using three standard AA batteries or the included mains adaptor. 

The SolarDAB 2 has an LED solar level indicator, battery indicator and USB socket for future software upgrades. There is a line-in socket for connecting an iPod or MP3 player, a standard 3.5mm headphone socket, and the SolarDAB 2 also offers multiple presets and a 'favourite station' button.

The SolarDAB 2 comes in black, white, red and green and is available to buy now. Which? will review the SolarDAB 2 in our next batch of digital radio reviews, available online from late August 2010.

For what to look for in a digital radio, take a look at our buying advice guide.