Longwood, Fla. - Imagine enjoying a meal at an outdoor cafe under the shade of a structure that was simultaneously powering your laptop and cell phone by way of clean green solar technology. That image will soon be reality thanks to a partnership between Konarka Technologies Inc., an innovator in development and commercialization of Power Plastic®, a material that converts light to energy, and SKYShades®, one of the global leaders in supplying shade and tension-membrane structures.

"This partnership is a natural fit for both companies," said Joe McKenna, executive vice president of SKYShades. "The increasing cost of energy and the recognition for the need to combat global warming has companies across the globe trying to figure out how to create cost-effective products that can generate energy savings and reduce carbon emissions while also meeting the needs of consumers."

"Through this relationship, we have been able to utilize the strengths of both companies to develop products that will ultimately not only provide a positive impact on the environment, but will also provide unique value for customers," McKenna said.

The initial prototype product, known as a Powerbrella™, applies the lightweight Power Plastic® film onto the exterior of SKYShades' retractable SKYbrella. The initial testing, conducted earlier in 2008, measured the effectiveness of the Powerbrella™ to withstand the elements, the ability of the attached Power Plastic® panels to generate clean green energy and the amount of resulting power that could be stored in batteries for reuse.

Throughout 2008, SKYShades and Konarka have been greatly assisted in this field testing process by selected engineering students at Lake Highland Preparatory School.

In early September, the day-to-day readings of electricity output will be collated to determine battery capacities, the final stage in having the Powerbrella™ prepared for a market launch in late October.

Already expressions of interest have been received from national chains of coffee outlets and Hotel/Resorts who recognize their unique capability to provide shade and at the same time allow clients the added benefit of being able to re-charge laptops, iPods, cell phones and other appliances while enjoying a 'coffee break'. Moreover, these national chains are driven by an awareness of the need to generate 'clean' 'green' alternative energy sources.

Development is also underway on other applications of the combined technologies of SKYShades and Konarka, including covered car parking areas and car wash facilities where power captured by the Power Plastic® panels could be sold into the electrical grid. The use of this technology also serves to compensate companies for emission of greenhouse gases through the purchase and sale of carbon offsets.

About SKYShades

Founded in Australia and recognized as a world leader in creating tension-membrane shade fabric structures, Longwood, Florida-based SKYShades is using cutting-edge technology to reduce sun exposure and develop clean green energy sources. The company is the first in its industry to offer franchise opportunities, and through a partnership with Konarka Technologies is incorporating thin-film solar energy cells into its shade structures. SKYShades' visually attractive structures create an identity and offer an attractive and less expensive alternative to brick and mortar shading in applications from resorts, playgrounds and schools to malls and recreation spaces. For more information, visit www.skyshades.com.