James Kelly

What are you looking for?

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM End of year show 2023 > MEng students > James Kelly

Headphones which deliver a truly unrivalled user experience and unprecedented energy efficiency.

My name is James Kelly, the innovative force behind SolAudio and the creator of SOLARA, a pioneering force in the realm of audio technology. My journey began in the gaming industry, where I immersed myself in the challenging, ever-evolving world of cutting-edge technology. From gaming, I transitioned into headphone design, a sphere that introduced me to the intricate relationship between aesthetic design, audio output, and comfort. For two years, I focused on mastering the complex aspects of headphone design, from drivers and ear cup design to comfort considerations for long-term usage. The next chapter of my career led me to the vaping industry, presenting a new challenge: designing compact, user-friendly, and visually appealing products. It was here that I fine-tuned my ability to innovate within limited physical dimensions.

The diverse experiences and skills I gained across these industries became the foundation for SOLARA. I envisioned a product that would combine the technological innovation of the gaming world, the ergonomic insights from headphone design, and the aesthetic finesse learned in the vaping industry.

SOLARA, a solar-powered headphone, is a testament to my commitment to sustainable energy. Its superior sound quality speaks volumes of my dedication to perfecting audio output. The sleek, comfortable design prioritizes user experience, a lesson I took from my gaming days. And SOLARA's ability to act as a power bank shows my commitment to multifunctionality and optimal design utility, a skill honed in the vaping industry.

In essence, SOLARA is not just a product; it's a reflection of my diverse design journey. As I continue to innovate at SolAudio, my experiences guide me towards a future where sound quality, sustainable energy, and superior design coexist seamlessly.

James Kelly, MEng Product Design and Manufacture

Student's LinkedIn

Solara Indegogo

Solara – Solar Panel Headphones

The SOLARA headphones mark a significant leap in the audio technology industry, delivering a truly unrivalled user experience and unprecedented energy efficiency. Weaving together innovative solar technology with a strong commitment to audio quality, SOLARA pioneers a new age of sustainability and audio performance, harmoniously in sync.

The key to SOLARA's technological prowess lies in its solar-charging capability. Engineered with an exceptional ability to harness energy from sunlight, SOLARA effortlessly recharges itself in diverse lighting conditions. Whether under the bright sun or in low-light settings next to a computer screen, the headphones can continuously maintain net positive power. This ingenious design liberates users from the confines of traditional charging methods, offering an unmatched level of convenience and freeing you from the dependency on charging cables or power outlets.

Inside these solar-powered marvels are high-quality 50mm drivers that deliver a dynamic, balanced sound to satiate every audiophile's palate. The venting design, tailored to enhance bass response, combined with internal damping that reduces unwanted resonances and vibrations, ensures a rich, immersive audio experience. Complementing the superior sound quality, SOLARA features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to provide a deep, undisturbed musical immersion, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a smooth, uninterrupted connection across devices.

The design of SOLARA is a marriage of aesthetics and functionality. With a keen focus on comfort, the headphones feature a headband optimized for a low clamping force to provide a snug and comfortable fit for extended use. The external hinge mechanism is designed to maintain a perfect angle for the drivers at all times, guaranteeing an optimal audio experience. Additionally, the closed-back design and airtight seal prevent air leakage and further enhance the sound quality.

The headphone's large ear cup size accommodates the larger drivers and increases the cavity space, thereby improving the 'airiness' of the sound and leading to a better low-frequency response. Available in three distinct colors – Eclipse Black, Sunstone Tan, and Sunlit Blue – SOLARA caters to a variety of user preferences and styles.

One of SOLARA's most unique features is its capacity to act as a power bank. Equipped with a substantial 4000mAh battery, SOLARA can charge other devices, offering a helpful solution when you're on the go, and your phone or tablet needs a power boost.

To extend its value, SOLARA comes with a companion app, creating a seamless integration between the headphones and your digital devices. This allows for effortless customization and control, enhancing your listening experience.

In the era of renewable energy and high-quality audio, SOLARA stands as a testament to how technology can be harnessed to provide sustainable solutions without compromising on quality or performance. As the brainchild of a team passionate about audio and sustainability, SOLARA is not just a product; it's a revolution in the audio industry.